A zucchini plant shows classic signs of blossom-end rot.
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During the growing season all fruiting vegetables (from tomatoes to squash to peppers) can suffer from blossom-end rot. Mostly home gardeners see this problem on tomatoes but it can also occur in squash (like zucchini), peppers, eggplant, and watermelons. Blossom-end rot is not actually a disease, but a problem caused when the plant does not get enough calcium. It will not spread from plant to plant but is a circumstance aggravated by weather conditions.
Usually this problem is first noticed as the flowering end of the young vegetable turns brown and soggy looking. At this time the vegetable is still small, about one-third to one-half the full-grown size. The waterlogged spot will get bigger and sink in. Sometimes secondary pathogens in the form of black fuzzy growths will appear. With peppers, the rot will be tan colored. Sometimes only a few fruit or vegetables will be affected and at other times most of them will rot.
Several weather conditions contribute to blossom-end rot. If there is too much rain, the soil is too dry, or the watering too erratic, it interferes with the plant’s ability to absorb calcium. Too much water can cause the calcium to move up through the plant too quickly and end up in the leaves instead of in the fruit. This problem is sometimes noticed in tomatoes that are planted too early in cold, wet soil.
Blossom-end rot is more easily prevented than cured. In the early spring before planting, add bone meal or lime and make sure the soil pH is 6.5, which will help the plant absorb calcium. Make sure the plant gets regular watering and it is not stressed by too little or too much water. The plants affected by blossom-end rot usually need about an inch of water per week. Mulch the plants so they retain more water in dry spells. Too much nitrogen will cause leaf growth over root growth and this can contribute so use a low nitrogen fertilizer on the plant.
There are a few things you can do to try and reverse blossom-end rot. First, regulate the watering of the plant. Cut off the rotted vegetables, as they no longer have any use. Some recommend adding crushed eggshells or powdered milk to the area around the plant. A spray containing calcium chloride sometimes works if it is sprayed on tomatoes before the fruit has set. This mineral can be bought from online suppliers. To make the solution, add 4 tablespoons of calcium chloride to one gallon of water. Be cautious not to spray the plants when they are still stressed from weather conditions or the solution may burn them. With a little diligence your plants may be back to producing tomatoes, zucchini, peppers or watermelon.
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Comments
Great advice. I'm going to try your powdered milk idea. We are "enjoying" a much cooler and damper summer over in Michigan.
Jackie DiGiovanni
Thank You for the advice. It will be most helpful next spring.
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