[TomatoDon]

Every year I see severe splitting, or radical cracking, on top of some of my Goliath tomatoes. The tomatoes shown here show various stages of the cracking, which can eventually be severe. These images show that these tomatoes are not fully ripe and still have some green on the shoulders.

All the plants and all the varieties get the same amount of rain, irrigation, soil, sun, fertilizers, etc. It can happen to any variety, but it seems to only be a characteristic of the Goliaths, and only on top. Is it because they are a large variety and start splitting when they get big? Or is it just part of their natural characteristics? Is it because they have been a little dry, or too hot, and then get too much water?

The other odd thing about Goliath, in particular, at least in my experience, is that practically all of my Goliaths are near perfect when green, but when they start turning colors all kinds of trouble starts, including bird pecks, soft spots, bad spots, splitting, etc. Maybe I should just pick them a little earlier, but I like for them to start turning red and get all their final good boost of good flavor on the vine instead of ripening on the table.

Thanks in advance and I look forward to any comments.