tomato seedling problems

18 years ago

I am currently growing two types of heirloom varieties; both from Baker Creek, Old Italian and Fox Cherry. I started the Old Italian first and then a week later I started the Fox cherry. Right now, since weather is still a little unpredictable, I have the seedlings in the garage under a couple of aquarium plant lights. About a week ago, I started to notice that my Old Italian seedlings were looking sickly. The cotyledons on most of the plants look twisted and contorted and a few of them have had one or more of the cotyledons shrivel and die. I have followed the same schedule with both varieties, applying fish emulsion once a week, watering with spray bottle etc. A few of the Old Italian plants are showing the first signs of true leaves. Am I dealing with a disease, or just the consequence of being a newbie to the whole heirloom and "start from seed" world of gardening?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

garystpaul
18 years ago
Cut out the fertilizer.
digdirt2
18 years ago
Am I dealing with a disease, or just the consequence of being a newbie to the whole heirloom and "start from seed" world of gardening?

Most likely not a disease unless it is early signs of damp-off and that usually affects the seedlings at the soil line/stem intersection. You may wish to review the FAQ on it over on the Growing from Seed forum as well as the FAQ here that I linked below for more details.

I agree you should stop the fertilizer as I fear they are suffering from fertilizer burn. Seedlings require no feeding, indeed don't tolerate it at all well, until after at least the second set of true leaves develop and sometimes not even then depending on the seed starting mix you usedor that you transplant them into. And when you do feed them use only 1/4 to 1/2 strength mixtures - never full strength - regardless of the type you use. As someone said the other day, it like feeding a newborn baby a supreme pizza with extra onions. ;)

I also find that misting of seedlings to be potentially hazardous unless you are also providing adequate and active air circulation in the area. it is one of the main contributors to damp-off, mold, and fungus problems.

Your plants may bounce back with the elimination of the fertilizer etc. But the plants need the cotyledons to survive until they can develop true leaves, so if the damage done is already well along yours may not survive. You may want to consider starting some new seeds while there is time.

Good luck.

Dave

Here is a link that might be useful: Growing Tomatoes from Seed
Related Professionals
Huntsville Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · McAllen Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Waterloo Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Leominster Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Sarasota Landscape Contractors · Rocky Mount Landscape Contractors · Buffalo Landscape Contractors · Phoenix Landscape Contractors · Sedalia General Contractors · Bartlesville General Contractors · Lawrenceburg General Contractors · Charleston General Contractors · Hartford General Contractors · Kankakee General Contractors · Murrieta General Contractors
dkmc
Original Author
18 years ago
Thank you all for the advice. I will cut the fert and make sure I am not watering too much. Could the temp in the garage contribute to the problem. I set them out in the garage in the morning when it is about 50 degrees out and within the last few days, with the exception of today, it has been quite warm, reaching into the 80's. Again, thanks for the advice.
maupin
18 years ago
If it's 80 in the garage, you should have them outside. There is an excellent guide on starting from seed written by nctomatoman on a rival website called tomato and ville (leave out the and) that you should read.