Tomato Quirks Part 1 – Catfacing

Today will start a week long series called Tomato Quirks. There will be seven articles with the series ending on next Tuesday, August 11th. Each day will bring a new article on some peculiar things you may find on your tomatoes or tomato plants.

Tomato Quirks Part 2 – Bumpy Stems

Tomato Quirks Part 3 – Green Shoulders

Tomato Quirks Part 4 – Sunscald

Tomato Quirks Part 5 – Splits & Holes

Tomato Quirks Part 6 – Spotted Tomatoes

Tomato Quirks Part 7 – Leaf Roll

At one point or another every tomato grower will come across some peculiar happenings with their tomatoes (and other fruits and vegetables as well). Most tomato quirks are brought about by climate conditions, irregular watering, pests, or diseases. There are times when these quirks can be controlled by adjusting your care methods according to changing conditions, but mostly these quirks are very hard to control.

Tomato Catfacing

Today’s tomato quirk is catfacing. Now do not go getting angry at your pet feline – you can’t blame this on them. Catfacing results in a disfigured, lumpy looking tomato that resembles something from a 1960′s Sci-fi movie. It can be very common with tomatoes, especially in the early part of the season, and in the lower hardiness zones (zones 6 through 4 in the U.S.). Catfacing can also be found with strawberries and some other fruits and vegetables.

What Causes Catfacing?

Catfacing is caused by a drop in temperature when the tomato plant blooms, or begins to set fruit. If the temperature drops below 50°F, this will inhibit pollination with the setting fruit. This will cause some parts of the tomato to develop while other parts will not. Also the cooler temperatures can prohibit proper blossom formation. When this occurs you end up with a gnarly and lumpy-looking tomato. Catfacing is mostly found in larger varieties, such as Beefsteak, Big Beef, and Cherokee Purple.

How To Control Catfacing

It can be very difficult to control catfacing since it is dealing with temperature, and who knows what Mother Nature has up her sleeve. There are some practices you can try with varying results.

If you believe that temperatures will dip below 50°F, you can try:

• Floating row covers – floating row covers can help to hold in some heat. If the temperatures are predicted to be much cooler than 50°F floating row cover will not provide much protection.
• Cold frames – cold frames can be used to keep plants warm during cooler temperatures, and offer good protection if frost is a concern.
• Wait before planting – You can also wait until all chances of cooler weather have passed before you set out your tomatoes. This is probably the best defense against catfacing, but if you are like me – waiting can just drive you crazy!
• Grow tomatoes in a planthouse – If you live in a cooler zone that has a shorter season, you can start your tomatoes in a simple planthouse. This will help to prevent catfacing, and will extend the growing season.

Although catfacing can cause a tomato to be rather unsightly, most times it is harmless and the tomato can still be used. Severe catfacing can go all the way through a tomato, rendering it virtually unusable. Just place the severely damaged tomatoes in the compost pile.

If you have some catfacing stories or tips, please feel free to share them.

Part 2 of the Tomato Quirks series will be on Bumpy Stems. Be sure you don’t miss it buy subscribing to our RSS feed.

Tomato Quirks Part 2 – Bumpy Stems

Tomato Quirks Part 3 – Green Shoulders

Tomato Quirks Part 4 – Sunscald

Tomato Quirks Part 5 – Splits & Holes

Tomato Quirks Part 6 – Spotted Tomatoes

Tomato Quirks Part 7 – Leaf Roll

More Fantastic Vegetable Gardening Articles:

1. Tomato Quirks Part 7 – Leaf Roll
2. Tomato Quirks Part 3 – Green Shoulders
3. Tomato Quirks Part 2 – Bumpy Stems
4. Tomato Quirks Part 4 – Sunscald
5. Tomato Quirks Part 6 – Spotted Tomatoes