What causes cracks in the tops of the tomatoes?

Q. My tomatoes have cracks on the top where the stems are. Does a calcium deficiency cause this problem?

A. Tomato cracks (sometimes called “growth cracks”) are a problem associated with growing conditions. Dry weather that gives way to excessive watering or a rainy period can lead to cracking.

A tomato cracks when it gets too much water too fast. The fruit absorbs the extra water from rain or disproportionate watering, but it expands too fast. That means the tomato skin can’t stretch to accommodate the extra fluid. Cracking alleviates pressure.

To prevent cracking, try to keep your watering schedule consistent. Also, next season, consider planting crack-resistant varieties!

Here's a page devoted to tomato cracks - the what, the why, and the what to do.

By the way ... you can still eat a tomato if it's cracked!

Happy Gardening!
Your friends at Tomato Dirt