Blossom End Rot

We receive many inquiries every single day of the growing season in the form of pictures & descriptions of blossom end rot. If you are experiencing this condition in tomatoes, squash, eggplant, watermelon, or other vegetables, you are not alone. Luckily, this is a temporary condition that can be remedied with a little knowledge of why it is caused.

Many online publications or answers by members of social media groups suggest that the addition of various forms of calcium is a cure for blossom end rot. There is merit to this answer only in the immediate cause of the condition, but not the root cause. Lets explain.

While it IS true that this condition is caused by calcium deficiency in the blossom end of the fruit, this is not in any way an indicator that there is a calcium deficiency anywhere else in the plants complex biological systems, let alone in the soil. Most of the time there is ample calcium available in the soil, its just not getting where it needs to go for the plant to produce acceptable healthy fruit. Adding calcium to the soil likely won’t remedy anything, & may actually reach a toxic level to the plant if soil amendments are made without first testing a sample. ALWAYS take a soil sample to your local extension service for a comprehensive analysis before amending soil for any reason. It’s not a big expense or hassle in most cases.