Plant Doctor Archive

My tomatoes are segmenting

For the last two years I have been growing tomatoes but have run into a problem both years. Last year's crop was Potentate, situated outdoors, and this year's is Hearty Red in the tunnel house. The problem is that the fruit seem to be forming into segments, like an orange, and not filling out to be the full round fruit as pictured in their respective advertising. What an I doing wrong?

The fruit not riping evenly could be caused by a number of things. Poor pollination caused by cold weather or very high temperatures. Too much heat — provide ventilation by lifting the sides of the tunnel house during the day. Too little potash — once fruit appear, feed plants at fortnightly intervals with a specially blended tomato food. Do not exceed the recommended rate stated on the pack. As tomatoes grow rapidly, they have a high fertiliser requirement. Over-watering — water moderately and adjust according to the weather. In summer, daily watering can be required.

Advice by Dr Dan Blanchon from Unitec's Diploma in Sustainable Horticulture and Bachelor of Resource Management.

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