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Roma tomatoes with black bottoms

Sarah BaretteSarah Barette Posts: 2
in Fruit & veg
 So disappointed! My first ripening Roma tomatoes have ‘black bottoms’!  They are grown in the open soil, not in a greenhouse, and we live in Mid-France so plenty of sunshine and need to water. Has anyone got an idea of what it is, what causes it, and can it be cured or prevented on the remaining plants?

Posts

  • Kat1989Kat1989 Posts: 51
    I think this could be bottom end rot, usually this happens when the conditions aren't quite right. Sometimes down to watering and moisture levels. I don't think there is much you can do now, I would probably take off all effected tomatoes. 
  • Kat1989Kat1989 Posts: 51
    **Blossom end rot
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    edited August 2020
    :)

    I agree - usually caused by a lack of water

    PS - more recent fruits may well be fine

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • Allotment BoyAllotment Boy Posts: 6,774
    Yes absolutely blossom end rot, it's actually caused by a calcium deficiency but the reason is erratic water supplies. If you have had as much hot dry weather as we have had in S.E. UK  then more water, feed weekly and a good thick mulch to keep the moisture in will all help. Next year before you plant make sure there is plenty of good compost in the ground to help hold more moisture.  When you water give a good soak (5 litres per plant on a big plant)  every 2-3 days rather than a little bit each day this will make the water roots go deep and keep the supplies more constant.
    AB Still learning

  • Kitty52Kitty52 Posts: 186
    Allotment Boy I'll try your idea re watering.  Like Sarah I have thrown out most tomatoes as they have the same problem. Also have not had a good crop as lots of flowers not opening and just dying.  Oh well, another year.........
  • Sarah BaretteSarah Barette Posts: 2
    Like like you, Kitty, will do better next year!  Lots of organic material will be dug in in the autumn and feeding with Tomorite, or similar as plants start to flower and plenty of straw mulching at the base of each plant.  Bon courage!
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