Is there something wrong with the Johnny Jump Ups I'm growing?

9 years ago

last modified: 9 years ago

The plants have been growing well, but lately a few show a purplish tone on the edges of their leaves. Just wondering if someone knows anything about this and can help me out. Thanks.

Featured Answer

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)

9 years ago

If they were growing outside, my first though would be cold - many seedling plants (and even those more well established) will take on a purplish cast as a response to colder than preferred temps (both air and soil). NBD and can be ignored :-)

Growing inside, a purple tint usually indicates insufficient phosphorus. Since these little guys are showing true leaves, you can do some dilute fertilization now. Any liquid or water soluble at half strength.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

zen_man
9 years ago
Hi David,

It looks like the "older" leaves are affected. Could be a nutrient problem. What is their nutrient situation?

ZM
David K thanked zen_man
David K
Original Author
9 years ago
Hi, thanks for replying. I planted the seeds in a peat moss growing medium with a little bit of potting soil and perlite added to it. I haven't given the plants any kind of fertilizer yet. I water them whenever the top of the soil dries out.
Related Professionals
Tallahassee Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Peoria Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Buffalo Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Jacksonville Landscape Contractors · Elkton Landscape Contractors · Saint Joseph Landscape Contractors · San Antonio Landscape Contractors · Aurora Landscape Contractors · Bloomington Landscape Contractors · Hempstead Landscape Contractors · El Dorado Architects & Building Designers · Marietta Architects & Building Designers · Rockford Architects & Building Designers · Watertown Architects & Building Designers · Ontario Architects & Building Designers
David K
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks so much!
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
9 years ago
not great pix.. contrast wise ...

sorry.. i dont see anything wrong with them ... i tend to focus on the new growth .. which looks just fine .... not on the older leaves ....

make some 10% water sol ... and use it to water ...

sounds like you were a bit high on peat moss in the media ..... ken
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
9 years ago
btw.. if you saved any seed.. direct sow them outdoors ... ken
gardenshine
9 years ago
That coloring is normal for for them, pansys and violas will have some of the same purple coloring. I don't know where you are planting these outside.... but just so you know Johnny-jump-ups will seed out all over the place .... even into the lawn, they are persistant little pretties.