Blossom End Rot

Blossom end rot is the bane of tomato growers. It starts as small brown spots on the bottom of the fruit and expands to a large, sunken brown or black leathery area.

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Blossom end rot occurs when calcium and water are out of balance. The condition is made worse when salt levels are too high due to over-fertilizing. Lime can be added to provide calcium, but only if it is actually needed. When watering, be sure that the roots are neither dried out or saturated.

​Blossom end rot can also affect summer squashes, such as zucchini.

Photo of tomato with blossom end rot by Kate Russell

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The rotten part can be cut off and the rest of the fruit is fine for eating.