Why Do Cherry Tomatoes Split On The Vine Before Ready To Pick

Question From: K. Baker - Madison Heights, Michigan, United States
Q: Hello Nancy, I researched your tomato help answers & didn't find this one. Do you know why cherry tomatoes split on the vine before ready to pick? By that I mean, I don't believe I left them on the vine too long because they are just light red in color & will get brighter red after picked 2-3 days but they have splits in the flesh as though they would burst. They seem ok but are not appetizing & if left in the bowl.... attract fruit flies. Thank you for your help.

A: It's a cultural problem. Hot dry weather followed by lots of rain. The inside fills faster than the skins can grow. Some tomatoes are more prone to splitting than others. The sungold cherry tomato is very prone to splitting.