Why Your Tomato Has Black Bottom (Blossom End Rot)
Blossom end rot is a calcium deficiency caused by inconsistent watering. The fix is consistent moisture, not adding calcium.
The black, sunken spot on the bottom of the tomato looks like disease. It’s a water issue.
Confirm It
- Black, sunken spot on bottom
- Appears before ripening
- Not soft or fuzzy
- Affects tomatoes, peppers, zucchini
The Fix
- Consistent watering. Deeply every 2-3 days.
- Mulch. 2 inches.
- Remove affected fruit. Won’t recover.
- Don’t over-fertilize. Especially nitrogen.
- Wait. New fruit should be fine.
Prevention
- Consistent moisture (90% of fix)
- Mulch
- Don’t damage roots
- Don’t plant in cold soil
Common Questions
Should I add calcium? Usually no. Soil has it. It’s a transport issue.
Will affected fruit recover? No. Remove it.
Does it affect other vegetables? Peppers, zucchini, eggplant.
Can I eat affected fruit? Unaffected parts, yes. Cut off black.
Will it happen every year? Only with inconsistent watering.
What about container tomatoes? More prone. Water daily.