Didn't realise that garden soil was a no no in a container. I actually layered soil along with coco fibre. So it's a layer of soil and then coco fibre and then soil and so on. (5 layered sandwich. Don't ask me why I did this. I just did. Too late now, will keep in mind next year.

As to the curl. Plants without flowers have recovered somewhat. Plants with flowers still have their leaves curled up like pig tails.

Chirag

If you did over-fertilize, the remedy is to flush with water.

But just a word on fertilizer instructions. In general, you did well to apply less than recommended. The instructions can be a good reference point for the strength of the fertilizer, but there are so many variables they are almost useless lol.

While the instructions give one set (sometimes a second set for continuous application) of directions and mix ratio --- One person may have a very poor medium. That container will need fertilizing. Another may have a very nutritious mix, that container will need none.

Add to that differing container sizes, then consider that the amount applied can vary from an ounce to a gal. or more... it all gets very tricky, very fast. Worse, a medium might be low in one nutrient, but high in another. Education and experience can help you learn plant needs and symptoms. There are a number of nutrient deficiency guides on the web.

My advice to those who want to add fertilizers (especially soluble forms that are immediately available,) is to always mix up a weak solution, and if... IFFF your plants are looking like they can use a boost, then add only a little. You can always add more, you can't always take it back.

I did not fertilize my seedlings once this year before planting out. Using Nature's Care Organic Potting Mix (it is by Scotts), which is rich in nutrients. It was cheap and worked awesome. I did not water my seedlings to the point of significant runoff and did not have to worry about leeching.

I did have branches curl like that this year, and it was from stress due to the pots drying out. I suspect the garden soil in the pots may be part of the problem. They recovered eventually -- partially after plant out -- and went on to produce an abundant crop.

That's interesting Peter!

I use Pro-mix with added ferts and I've always wondered about the nutrients leeching out, since I don't water enough for the water to come out through the holes in the bottom of the pots. Last year I didn't add any other nutrients and my plants did ok.

This year, I panicked in mid-summer when the leaves looked a bit yellow, and gave them some Miracle Grow, which made them look even worse. (It's possible that I over-watered them). Someone mentioned Epsom Salts to green them up, so I did that and they were fine afterwards.

Linda

Agree with the above, you should use a proper container growing medium (potting MIX)....however in regards to your problem, to me it looks like herbicide damage. Is that possible? What did u use the sprayer/watering can for previously?

I also think of 2 possibilities : ( 1) Herbicide damage (2) some pest like aphid or mite. . UNLESS the variety has naturally rugose foliage.. What is the variety ? Is it a dwarf ?

Sey

@antipodean the sprayer is new. Had used it with plain water earlier.

Don't think anyone uses herbicide here. Though there is anti-mosquito fumigation in the neighborhood every week or so.

The plants have recovered. But, if you see carefully, you can make out that they had curled up.

The dilemma for me is, while over watering fixed it. I don't know if the problem was because of lack of water or because of the application of the fertiliser.

@seysonn

There were no insects under the leaves as far as I can make out. Though I spotted some crawlies under the buckets when I was moving them around. (will have to figure out how to treat them.)

I have no idea about the variety. Got the seeds from a local nursery. It just says Hybrid seeds. Not too much variety available here in India.

It's quite harsh weather here in Delhi. So you take what you get. Would love to try some of the fancier varieties, but you can't get them here.

That's very interesting that they have straightened out and look a lot healthier now. Perhaps it was the heat?

Linda