I was thrilled to see some ripe tomatoes on my vines yesterday but when I picked them, quite a few had blossom end rot. It's most discouraging. They seem to be on one of the plants more than the others, except I don't know the variety! It is producing flattish red-pink fruit. Also it is on the Italian plum tomatoes, or at least some of them.
It is true that our weather here has been most unpredictable. But are some varieties more susceptible than others? My OxHeart type seem to not have any, and neither do the Gardener's Delight.
QuoteBut are some varieties more susceptible than others?
yes
In my experience BER can be reduced by keeping roots watered in the evening when mineral take up is greatest.
Have you tried additional lime?
Quote from: Digeroo on August 04, 2011, 14:43:04
Have you tried additional lime?
No I haven't. I only noticed it yesterday. Is it not too late for that kind of measure? And if it was that, why haven't they all got it?
A lot of the plum tomatoes are more likely to get it, but don't worry too much as it usually only affects the first fruit, if your soil is OK there is no point in adding stuff, consistant steady watering is the key, the crucial time is when the flowers are just beginning to form, too little watering, too much nitrogen or too much watering can prevent the plant taking the much needed calcium from the soil, adding calcium to soil that doesn't need it is a waste of time.. it is the plants ability to take it that causes or doesn't cause BER .It does not spread, it is not a disease rather it is an environmental problem, you can cut off the bad bits and eat the good bits of the fruit.
XX Jeannine