Why Your Tomato Has Black Spots
Black spots on tomatoes are early blight, late blight, or anthracnose. Early blight is treatable. Late blight is fatal.
The 3 Causes
Cause 1: Early Blight
Signs: Brown spots with concentric rings on lower leaves. Spreads upward. Fix: Remove affected leaves. Improve airflow. Copper spray.
Cause 2: Late Blight
Signs: Large, greasy black spots on leaves and fruit. White fuzz on undersides. Fix: No cure. Remove and destroy plant immediately.
Cause 3: Anthracnose
Signs: Small, sunken black spots on ripe fruit. Fix: Remove affected fruit. Improve airflow.
How to Tell Them Apart
| Sign | Cause |
|---|---|
| Concentric rings on lower leaves | Early blight |
| Greasy black spots, white fuzz | Late blight |
| Sunken spots on ripe fruit | Anthracnose |
What to Do
- Check leaves. Lower leaves first → early blight.
- Check for fuzz. White fuzz → late blight. Remove plant.
- Check fruit. Sunken spots → anthracnose.
Prevention
- Airflow between plants
- Water at soil level
- Rotate crops
- Remove fallen leaves
Common Questions
Can I eat tomatoes with black spots? Cut off the spots. Or discard.
Will it spread to other plants? Yes. Act quickly.
Is early blight fatal? No. Manageable.
Is late blight fatal? Yes. Remove immediately.
Does it affect other vegetables? Yes. Potatoes especially.
Will it come back next year? Yes, if you don’t rotate crops.