Catfacing is a common physiological disorder that severely malforms tomato fruit, diminishing its visual appeal. The defect is an abiotic disorder, not caused by a disease or pathogen, stemming from an abnormality during the flower’s development. While the resulting fruit may look drastically deformed, the condition is usually a cosmetic issue that affects only a portion of the harvest.
What Catfacing Looks Like
The characteristic damage of catfacing occurs exclusively at the blossom end of the fruit. The defect is characterized by deep indentations, puckering, and severe misshaping of the tomato’s structure. Often, the fruit appears to have multiple irregular lobes or folds that grow together in a disorganized manner.
These malformed areas are frequently accompanied by thick, cork-like brown scars that look like rings or zipper-like lesions near the base of the fruit. The condition is a permanent physical abnormality established when the flower is still forming and cannot be corrected as the fruit expands. The scarred tissue is tough and fibrous, extending internally into the flesh of the tomato.
Environmental Triggers and Causes
Catfacing begins when the flower bud is damaged or stressed before or during the process of fertilization. This interference prevents the flower from developing normally into a symmetrical fruit. The most significant cause is exposure to cold temperatures during the blossom stage.
When nighttime temperatures drop below 50°F, the developing flower is stressed, which disrupts the proper formation of the ovary that will eventually become the fruit. This temperature-related damage most often affects the first set of flowers, meaning subsequent fruit flushes typically develop without the disorder as the weather warms. Extreme temperature fluctuations between day and night can also contribute to this developmental abnormality.
Other factors that disrupt the plant’s internal chemistry can also trigger the disorder. Excessive application of high-nitrogen fertilizers can cause an imbalance in the plant’s growth hormones, leading to malformed flowers. Similarly, over-aggressive pruning of indeterminate tomato varieties may deplete growth-regulating auxins, increasing the chance of catfacing. Exposure to certain herbicides can also cause damage to the developing flower tissues.
Prevention
Gardeners should wait until all danger of cold weather has passed before transplanting tomatoes into the garden. The safest practice is to ensure night temperatures are consistently above 50°F before planting. If an unexpected cold snap is predicted early in the season, using row covers or other protective measures can help maintain a stable temperature around the plants.
Growers should also monitor soil fertility, avoiding excessive nitrogen fertilization which promotes vegetative growth over proper fruit development. When pruning, a moderate approach is recommended, especially on susceptible varieties such as large-fruited beefsteaks and many heirloom types. Be cautious with the use of broadleaf weed killers to prevent accidental herbicide exposure.
Edibility
Despite its alarming appearance, a catfaced tomato is safe to eat. The fruit’s flavor is not affected, although the tough, scarred areas should be cut away before consumption. The only caution is if the severe malformation causes the skin to split open, creating a wound that could invite mold or bacterial growth.