Why Do Apples Split on the Tree

The cause of the splits is invariably irregular watering. When the tree suddenly gets a hefty drink following a period of drought, the apples quickly expand, which often leads to the skin cracking. The fruit usually produces a corky, scab-like covering, but in the case of mature apples the split can lead to rotting.

Are cracked apples safe to eat?

Shallow cracks often heal but the fruit develops scars and the fruit is deformed. Decay may occur in fruit with deeper cracks, especially near harvest, as increased insect activity and secondary pathogens are more likely. Severely cracked fruit will likely not mature or be worth eating.

How do you control fruit cracking?

If 25% available soil moisture is maintained during summer, then fruit cracking will be less. Calcium is a cell binding material, and spraying of calcium chloride (1 kg/100 l water) or calcium ammonium nitrate (2 kg/100 l of water) reduces fruit cracking.