Why Are My Tomatoes Splitting? (UK Guide)
Tomatoes that suddenly crack or split are frustrating, especially just before ripening. The good news is this problem is extremely common in the UK and usually very easy to fix.
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This guide explains why tomatoes split and how to prevent it.
For complete tomato growing advice, see TOMATOES: HOW TO GROW, BEST VARIETIES, PROBLEMS & EXPERT TIPS (UK GUIDE).
What Tomato Splitting Looks Like
You may see:
- Circular cracks around the top
- Vertical splits down the fruit
- Skin bursting after rain
Fruit is often still edible if used quickly.
The Main Cause: Irregular Watering
Tomato splitting is almost always caused by sudden water uptake.
It happens when:
- Soil dries out
- Plant suddenly receives lots of water (rain or heavy watering)
- Fruit swells faster than the skin can stretch
The skin tears open.
UK Weather Makes It Worse
In Britain:
- Dry spells
- Followed by heavy rain
This makes outdoor tomatoes especially prone to splitting.
How to Prevent Splitting
- Water consistently
- Avoid letting compost dry out
- Mulch soil
- Grow in larger containers
- Harvest ripe fruit promptly
See HOW OFTEN TO WATER TOMATOES.
Can You Still Eat Split Tomatoes?
Yes — if:
- No mould
- No rot
Use immediately because they spoil quickly.
Varieties Matter
Thin-skinned cherry tomatoes split more easily than thicker-skinned salad varieties.
Some varieties are naturally more resistant.
Final Thoughts
Tomato splitting is not a disease — it is a watering problem. Consistent moisture prevents nearly all cases.
Return to TOMATOES: HOW TO GROW, BEST VARIETIES, PROBLEMS & EXPERT TIPS (UK GUIDE) for full tomato advice.
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Why are my tomatoes splitting? Learn how inconsistent watering and rain cause cracked tomatoes and how to prevent it in the UK.
Why Are My Tomatoes Not Turning Red? (UK Guide)
A common late-season frustration: large green tomatoes that never ripen. This is extremely common in the UK due to our cooler climate.
This guide explains why tomatoes stay green and how to encourage ripening.
For full tomato growing guidance, see TOMATOES: HOW TO GROW, BEST VARIETIES, PROBLEMS & EXPERT TIPS (UK GUIDE).
The Real Reason: Temperature
Tomatoes ripen best between:
18–24°C
Below 12°C ripening slows.
Below 10°C it almost stops.
This is why September crops stall in Britain.
Lack of Sunlight
Ripening needs light energy. Plants in shade:
- Ripen slowly
- Produce pale fruit
- Stay green longer
Move pots into the sunniest position available.
Too Many Fruits on the Plant
If a plant carries too many tomatoes, it cannot ripen them all.
Solution
- Remove small fruits
- Remove new flowers
- Focus plant energy
Late Feeding
Continuing fertiliser too long causes:
- New leaves
- New flowers
- Delayed ripening
See WHEN TO STOP FEEDING TOMATOES.
Late Planting
Plants started late often reach fruiting stage too close to autumn.
Early sowing greatly improves ripening success.
How to Encourage Ripening
- Remove top growing tip
- Remove shading leaves
- Reduce watering slightly
- Improve airflow
If needed, harvest and ripen indoors.
See HOW TO RIPEN GREEN TOMATOES.
Final Thoughts
Green tomatoes late in the season are normal in the UK. Warmth, sunlight and stopping new growth usually solve the problem.
Return to TOMATOES: HOW TO GROW, BEST VARIETIES, PROBLEMS & EXPERT TIPS (UK GUIDE) for complete tomato guidance.