Teenage Black Toes -

Despite the "black" appearance, this isn't usually caused by a fungus or a pest. Instead, it is a caused by a calcium deficiency within the fruit itself.

If you see "black toes" on your green tomatoes, you should immediately so the plant can focus its energy on healthy ones. Here is how to prevent it from happening to the rest: teenage black toes

: Over-fertilizing with high-nitrogen food can make the plant grow so fast that the calcium can't keep up. Despite the "black" appearance, this isn't usually caused

: In a pinch, some gardeners use a calcium foliar spray or even crushed Tums (calcium carbonate) worked into the soil for a quick boost. Here is how to prevent it from happening

that eventually turn dark brown or black. Leathery, sunken patches on the bottom of the fruit. Secondary mold occasionally moving into the damaged area. Why is it Happening?

The Mystery of "Teenage Black Toes" in Your Garden If you’ve ever walked out to your tomato patch only to find your beautiful green fruit sporting dark, sunken patches on the bottom, you might have heard someone jokingly refer to it as "teenage black toes." While it’s not an official scientific name, this nickname perfectly captures that awkward stage where your "teenage" (immature) tomatoes start developing unsightly black spots.

You might be dealing with Bacterial Speck or Early Blight instead— A Visual Guide - Problems of Tomato Fruit