Not-so-red tomatoes: Gardening advice

Tomatoes can be red, brown, yellow, pink - and they can also be green, which often means they aren't ripe.

But sometimes waiting isn't enough to make them soft and colorful - so what's the matter?

Here are a few reasons why your tomatoes aren't as red as you might want them to be.

Immature Tomatoes

Sometimes, tomatoes are picked when they are still green or not fully ripe. 

These tomatoes won't turn red until they ripen fully, which can take some time.

Cool Temperatures

Tomatoes need warmth to turn red. If the weather is too cool or the tomatoes are kept in a chilly place, they might stay green for longer.

Lack of Sunlight

Tomatoes need sunlight to ripen and change color. If they don't get enough sunlight, they can remain green. Make sure they have plenty of sun.

Variety

Some tomato varieties naturally stay green or have different colors when ripe. So, if you have a different type of tomato, it might not turn red.

Ethylene Gas

Tomatoes produce a gas called ethylene, which helps them ripen. 

Placing them with other fruits like bananas, which also give off ethylene, can speed up the ripening process.

Nutrient Deficiency

If the tomato plant doesn't get enough nutrients like potassium, it can affect the ripening process.

Disease or Damage

Diseases or physical damage to the tomatoes can prevent them from turning red. 

It's essential to keep your tomato plants healthy and protect the fruits from harm.

Conclusion

Tomatoes turn red because of ripeness and good growing conditions, so always choose sunny and warm places to plant them.
 

• Related news:
• tomatoes
• ripeness
• gardening
• tips
• mistakes
• 27 September 2023

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