University of Maryland Extension

Uneven ripening - vegetables

Back to Common Problems - Vegetables

uneven ripening of tomato

Uneven ripening due to environmental stress or plant genetics is caused by one or more of the following factors

  • Growing season too short for the affected crop. This may happen to eggplant, watermelon, gourds and other long season crops that are planted too late.
  • Excessive shade and tight spacing may prevent plants from successfully ripening their fruits.
  • Cool temperatures in late summer and early fall combined with diminishing daylight may prevent fruits from ripening fully. This is often observed in tomato and pepper crops. Cool weather will also cause blotchiness and odd colored patterns on fruits.
  • Some cultivars may be more susceptible to uneven ripening. See "Green Shoulder" under "Large Discolored Areas".

late season color variations eggplant
Cool weather will also cause blotchiness and odd 
colored patterns on fruits (eggplant)

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Home and Garden Information Center
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