Tomatoes With Pointed Ends: Know the Reasons!

If you were expecting rounded textured tomatoes from your garden, but got pointed ends instead. 

So, you may be wondering why your garden is full of tomatoes with pointed ends

Usually, tomatoes with pointed ends are caused by natural genetic formation, which can be solved by choosing the right variation. Then, an extremely cold temperature that is below 50 degrees Fahrenheit is responsible for growing tomatoes with pointed ends. Also, pointed ends tomatoes may show signs of nutrient deficiencies and inconsistent watering. 

So, if you want to avoid this kind of situation, make sure to water and fertilize properly.   

So, let’s have a look at the whole article for detailed information about how to overcome this situation. 

Tomatoes With Pointed Ends: Reasons And Solutions 

Tomatoes are pointed ends called Oxheart tomatoes. It comes with a round oval shape which is not a problem actually. However, many people find it an issue. 

If the pointed end is too pronounced, it can make it difficult to cut or handle, which may be a problem in food preparation. Actually pointed ends on tomatoes are not inherently problematic, they may indicate underlying issues with the plant or affect the usability and marketability of the fruit. 

First, let’s get to know the reasons and remedies in a quick manner to have a clear-cut picture. 

Reason  Solution
Natural genetic formation Try a different variety
Extreme cold temperature Provide total exposure to the sun during the day, use frost blankets at night
Inconsistent watering Provide ample watering
Nutrient deficiency  Provide sufficient fertilizer 

Now, it’s time to look at the reasons and remedies in an in-depth manner. It will help to fix the issue if you find it bothersome. 

Reason 1: Natural Genetic Formation 

Natural Genetic Formation
Source: mandysgreenhouse.com

Natural genetic formation plays a significant role in determining the shape and size of tomatoes. And it’s the first reason for having pointed ends. The presence of pointed ends on tomatoes can be attributed to their genetics. In fact, certain tomato varieties have naturally pointed-end tomatoes. 

Also, it is possible that you purchased a disabled tomato plant from a garden center that result in unexpected fruit shapes such as pointed tomatoes. As a matter of fact, tomato plants contain genes that control these traits. 

Some tomato varieties have a genetic mutation that resulted in a pointed tomato end. This genetic mutation may have occurred naturally through random changes in the DNA of tomato plants over time.

Remedy:

Since it’s a genetic trait, you can’t do anything other than try out a different variety. If you want beautiful pretty round-shaped tomatoes, you can plant Beefsteak tomatoes.

If you don’t want to have tomatoes with pointed ends, you should avoid planting Oxheart tomatoes. Genetic variety also impacts the time ripe tomatoes stay on the vine.

If your tomatoes are not Oxheart in genetics and still getting pointed ends check out the following reasons.

Reason 2: Extreme Cold Temperature 

The next possible reason is growing your tomatoes in extremely cold temperatures. Extreme cold temperature is basically responsible for damaging tomato plant tissue which leads to irregular texture and sizes. 

Also, during the growth period of tomatoes, if it exposes to extremely cold weather, your tomatoes can come with a deformed size. This is also one of the reasons for no male flowers on cucumber plants.

Remedy:

You should not grow tomatoes in such cold temperatures. It is important to ensure that your plants receive adequate exposure to sunlight or artificial light sources, to grow round tomatoes. 

The temperature should be at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit at night. The temperature should be at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit at night, it may increase the risk of developing pointed ends or other formalities. 

Also, warm soil is essential for the proper growth of tomatoes. Furthermore, if you want to have a perfectly shaped tomato, it’s crucial to maintain consistently warm weather conditions. It will promote the healthy growth of your tomato plants. 

You should ensure that your plant is getting enough sunlight during day time. At night if it’s freezing outside, you should cover the tree with a frost blanket. 

Reason 3: Inconsistent Watering

Inconsistent Watering
Source: allaboutgardening.com

Another possible reason is not watering consistently. Specifically, inconsistent watering can cause the tomatoes to develop irregularities such as pointed ends, bumps, and cracks. 

Because inconsistent watering results in uneven water distribution in the plant tissue which is able to develop a pointed end.  

Remedy:

If you want to promote the healthy growth of tomato plants and avoid deformities such as pointed ends. You must ensure that your tomato plant is getting watered regularly. It is important to keep the soil moist. 

Also, providing the necessary nutrients for the plants to thrive is a requirement to grow the plant perfectly. 

So, when you’re watering try not to contact with the plant’s foliage and apply water to the base of the plant. It will help the plant to get enough moisture and keep the plant protected from unnecessary disease formation.

If you can ensure this watering habit, the healthy development of your tomato plant is ensured. Compost tea can be made by allowing compost or manure to steep in water before use, you can provide essential nutrients for the plants. You can use a pond, well and rainwater to irrigate the plants 

Reason 4: Nutrient Deficiency

Nutrient deficiency is another great factor in having tomatoes with pointed ends. If you’re not providing. Growing tomatoes in perfect shape and texture, you need to apply a great range of nutrients to support the healthy growth of tomatoes. 

Tomatoes need a proper blend of nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. If your tomatoes face deficiencies in any of these nutrients can lead to having pointed ends.   

Remedy:

It’s recommended to fertilize them with an organic fertilizer with a balanced NPK ratio. Approximately, after two weeks before planting you should apply fertilizer and the formula should be 5-10-10 for the NPK fertilizer. 

The foliage of your plant will get sufficient nutrients to grow properly. Having horehound companion plants will also improve the fruiting of the tomatoes.

When applying fertilizer, make sure to avoid contact with the leaves and apply it in trenches at least 6 inches away from the plant stem. It will prevent any burning of the lower leaves. 

If you’re growing tomatoes in a pot, you should use a water-soluble fertilizer. It will help with nutrient deficiencies and promote healthy bountiful tomato harvests.  

Gardening Tips For Growing Perfect Tomatoes

Whatever you do, you can’t have proper tomatoes, if you don’t care much for your tomato plant. To ensure a successful tomato harvest throughout the summer season, it is crucial to maintain healthy plants by providing them with consistent water and nutrient supply. 

Here are some tips; 

  • You should make sure to water your tomato plant consistently. Because optimal growth of the tomatoes needs proper watering.  
  • You must plant and grow the tomatoes in late spring or early summer which is typically around May or June in many regions. Also, check the following guide for growing tomatoes at home.
  • Always make sure that the soil you’re planting the tomatoes is warm enough. Because tomatoes couldn’t survive in cooler temperatures. The temperature of the soil shouldn’t be lower than 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • It’s crucial to ensure that the pots have adequate drainage to avoid any waterlogging issues to grow perfect tomatoes. If you’re using pots for growing 6-8 feet tomatoes, then you should use pots with 10 a volume of 10 gallons. On the other hand, 5 gallons bucket is sufficient for the smaller variety. 
  • You should provide sunlight for at least six to eight hours for your tomato plant. 
  • Tomatoes require slightly acidic soil and the pH level of the soil should be 5.8-7.0. 
  • It is recommended to apply mulch to tomatoes after the soil has warmed up.
  • You must remove the old leaves after the plant reaches 2 to 3 feet tall. As the plants grow fuller, the lower leaves receive less sunlight and airflow. That’s why it helps a lot. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What are the 5 stages of growing tomatoes?

The first stage is germination which stays for 5-10 days. Then, the second stage is early growth with initial leaves (25-35 days). The next stage is the vegetable period (20 to 25 days). The fourth stage (20 to 30 days) is called the flowering period. Finally, early fruiting occurs between 20 and 30 days after planting.

Where do tomatoes grow faster? 

Tomatoes grow faster in warm soil. If your garden beds are covered with mulch, it is advisable to pull it back during early spring to expose the soil to the sun’s warmth. The use of clear plastic over the bed can also enhance warmth retention.

Is manure good for tomatoes?

Manure is a good fertilizer for tomatoes since tomatoes require extremely fertile soil for optimal growth and development. You can use manure for composting the best fertilizer for both pre-planting and growth stages. Additionally, manures such as bovine, chicken, or worm manures are excellent sources of nutrients.

Conclusion 

I hope you’ve channeled out the reasons why you’re growing tomatoes with pointed ends.

The majority of tomatoes with pointed ends are the result of genetic mutations. Besides that, pointed bottoms or other deformities in a tomato can be caused by several factors. 

However, it is essential to note that an oddly shaped tomato is still edible and can taste delicious.

Happy gardening!

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