Tomatoes are generally round-shaped. If you notice a sudden change of this appearance to a pointed one, you want to know why it has happened and if there is an available remedy. Sometimes, your tomatoes may draw the feature from their genetic background. So, why do you’ve tomatoes with pointed bottom?
Most tomato varieties will become pointed at the bottom as a deformity develops due to unfavorable growing conditions. Your tomatoes may also be sharp-pointed at the bottom as a characteristic of specific species. Though rare, it could also be a mismatch between the label and the packed seeds.
This article explores the probable reasons behind your pointed tomatoes to help you know how to handle each situation if it comes your way.
Why Are Your Tomatoes Pointed At The Bottom?
Apart from your tomato leaves pointing up, tomatoes with pointed bottoms is another challenge you’re likely to encounter when growing tomatoes.
There are three major reasons for your tomatoes are pointed at the bottom, including the following:
- Genetical make up
- Unfavorable growing conditions
- Mislabeled packs
Read on as we expound on each of them hereunder.
1. Genetical Make Up
A specific tomato variety has a pointed blossom end due to its genetic background. Hence, you can do nothing about it because that’s how it grows. Oxheart is the name given to this type of tomato.
Oxheart tomato is a versatile mid to late-season tomato similar to the beefsteak variety. It’s large and has a pointed blossom end with an elongated bottom resulting from the mutated nature of this tomato. A fully grown Oxheart tomato fruit can range from 1-2 pounds.
Besides, this tomato variety is ideal for adding to sandwiches and salads due to its consistency and size. They’re indeterminate and productive throughout the growing season. Even so, this will only be the case if you maintain them properly.
2. Unfavorable Growing Conditions
Most tomatoes are sharp-pointed during their early stages of growth. Hence, if the temperatures are very low, they may experience stunted growth. They remain in the pointed bottom state throughout the cold season. Any other unfriendly environmental condition can adversely affect your tomato blossoms, giving them a deformed shape.
Also, if you don’t provide enough water and nutrients for your tomatoes, most varieties will develop a V-shaped bottom.
How Can You Maintain The Round Shape Of Your Tomatoes?
You can maintain the round shape of your tomatoes by applying the tips below.
- Enough light exposure: Tomatoes thrive in 6-8 hours of full sun exposure. So, you should plant your plants in an area with enough sun or light sources. And warm soil enhances the growth of round tomatoes. Below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s likely that your tomatoes will develop pointed blossom ends, among other deformities.
- Adequate water supply: Water your tomato plants consistently to keep the soil moist enough but not soggy. Be sure to water the plant’s base without wetting the foliage. Also, provide all the nutrients your plants need for continuous and healthy growth.
- Add fertilizer: Adding homemade or commercial fertilizer boosts the nutrient content of your soil. Consequently, it can feed your plants satisfactorily, and in turn, they yield healthy and round-shaped fruits.
- Keep the fruits off any stress: Keep the fruits of your tomatoes free as much as possible. Prevent the plants from pushing against the growing cage or stake, as the pressure can eventually cause fruit deformation.
- Avoid root damage: Be extra careful when tending your tomato plants to prevent root damage. If you tamper with the root system, you may mess up with the growth rate, and that can cause fruit deformities such as pointed blossom end.
3. Mislabeled Seeds Packs
A mismatch between the label and content is rare but a probable cause of the pointed tomato bottom. This means that you bought an Oxheart instead of your intended variety. Obviously, the fruits that your plants yield will have sharp blossom ends.
The pointed tomato bottom is just one of the various causes of tomato deformations. There are other reasons your tomatoes have an abnormal shape.
Why Do My Tomatoes Look Deformed?
Your tomatoes look deformed because of unfriendly environmental and genetic factors, pests, or diseases. Mainly, tomato deformation occurs due to extreme climatic conditions, inadequate watering, and insufficient or excess sunlight. The various deformities include:
- Catfacing
- Zippering Cracks/splitting
- Spots
- Holes
Luckily, there are diverse ways of keeping these deformities at bay, but your current problem determines
which method to use.
Remedies To Tomato Deformation Problem
Here we’ll look at what you should do when you notice any of the above tomato problems before it causes significant destruction. Keep reading!
1. Catfacing
It refers to a tomato’s unpleasant, misshapen (cat face-like) appearance. This problem has various causes, including extreme temperatures, excessive pruning, high nitrogen levels, flower disturbance, and exposure to herbicides 2,4-D.
luckily, you can prevent this disorder by avoiding extreme temperatures, growing resistant/tolerant tomato varieties, not pruning or fertilizing excessively, and maintaining the correct moisture levels.
Thrips can also cause catfacing. In this case, use the appropriate pest control method to eliminate the insects.
2. Zippering
This deformity is a long scar running from the stem to the blossom end of the tomato. One fruit can have several zipper-like scars. The problem affects the tomato ‘skin’ but not the ‘flesh’ and doesn’t cause the tomato to rot. Sometimes, the long scar may end with a hole at the blossom end.
The only preventive measure you can apply is planting zippering-resistant tomato varieties. Different varieties have varying zippering degrees. Otherwise, you can just cut off the affected area because the problem doesn’t get to the flesh part of the tomato.
3. Cracks/Splitting
Your tomatoes are likely to crack/split after irrigation or heavy downpour preceded by a long period of dryness. The cracking occurs in two ways, namely radial and concentric.
Radial cracking is the vertical splitting of the tomato from the stem to the blossom end. It’s more severe than concentric as it goes deep into the flesh and can cause rotting. On the other hand, concentric cracking develops at the stem area and on the tomato surface. This crack doesn’t cause tomato rotting.
You can prevent this deformity by ensuring consistent soil moisture, especially during extended periods of hot weather.
4. Spots
You may notice brown or black spots on your tomatoes caused by blossom end rot. This problem occurs due to calcium deficiency resulting from root damage, uneven watering, the soil’s calcium shortage, or excess potassium, magnesium, or nitrogen.
Blossom end rot affects the season’s first fruits. It opens a door for bacteria and fungi to attack plants.
5. Holes
Insects, such as tomato fruit worms, stinkbugs, and slugs, are the primary cause of holes in tomatoes. You can control them using the relevant pesticides per the given instructions. Even so, some animal pests such as squirrels and birds can be the cause.
6. Green/Yellow Shoulders
This deformity is a ripening-related problem. The tomatoes remain green or turn yellow near the stem when the rest of the fruit turns red. This results from the failure of chlorophyll to break down in due time.
To curb this deformity, supply your plants with adequate potassium so they can ripen evenly.
FAQ
Why Are My Tomatoes Pear-Shaped?
Your tomatoes are pear-shaped because of their genetic background. The shape is the source of this tomato variety’s name (pear). Pear tomatoes are a cherry variety distinguished from the rest by their uncommon appearance. They’re yellow in color, soft, and have a sweet, mild flavor.
Are Deformed Tomatoes Safe To Eat?
Yes, deformed tomatoes are safe to eat. These tomatoes have the same taste as the undeformed ones and carry the same nutrients. Deformation only restricts the affected part from developing like other parts, resulting in the weird-looking fruit. Some deformities don’t reach the flesh part of the tomato.
What Is The Best Time To Grow Tomatoes Without Deformities?
The best time to grow tomatoes without deformities is early summer or late spring (around May-June). At this time, day and night temperatures are constantly above 60 degrees F. Ensure the soil is warm enough. Plant tomatoes two weeks after the area’s last frost date.
Should I Remove Green Catfacing Tomatoes?
Yes, you should remove green crafting tomatoes. These tomatoes usually have uneven ripening. If you allow them to ripen, you can use them raw or prepare delicious meals and soups. The crat face look doesn’t interfere with the taste.
How Do I Know If My Tomatoes Are Roma?
You know your tomatoes are Roma by their appearance. Roma tomatoes are pear/egg-shaped in full maturity. Also, these tomatoes have a thick skin, few seeds, and meaty flesh. They‘re a heavy and firm tomato variety, ideal for sauce preparation and canning.
Parting Shot
If your tomatoes have a pointed bottom, this can either be a deformity or a genetic characteristic. Oxheart is a tomato variety whose tomatoes will naturally have pointed blossom ends as a distinguishing feature.
On the other hand, varieties such as beefsteak, better boys, and Roma have rounded shapes. Therefore, if you observe pointed bottoms on these varieties, then something is wrong! The most common cause of this deformity is severe environmental conditions like temperature, water, and sunlight.
Thankfully, this write-up provides actionable tips on how you can keep your tomato round-shaped and healthy.