mottled red and yellow

[missjane]

Why do some of my tomatoes have a mottled color. They never turn a solid red color. Are they safe to eat?

[CharlieBear]

Not sure what you mean, sometimes tomatoes get sunburnt on the top, one side etc when it is really quite hot if there isn't enough leaf protection. I have been having that problem a lot the last week or so. Just cut the hard sunburnt part out and enjoy. Note, many heirlooms ripen a bit irratically compared to tomatos you see in the store.

[rainbowgardener]

Do they look like the ones linked in this thread:

http://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/v ... hp?t=39327

I'm not sure exactly what causes that, perhaps a little sunburn or irregular watering or whatever, tomatoes are sensitive to a lot of different conditions. But I've seen it frequently, it is quite natural, not a sign of bugs or disease, and your tomatoes are perfectly safe.