Tomato slow growing with purple leaves (pics)

D-K-M

This year I planted lots of Tom plants. I started later than usual - early April and the plants looked really healthy and seemed to benefit from the later sowing.
However, after potting on I have noticed that they just aren't growing very fast (compared to other plants) and they have purple undersides and some (not clear in the pics) are turning a more yellowy colour, especially the lower leaves. I potted them into Wickes peat free compost and they are sitting in an unheated south facing conservatory (which can get pretty hot) in Lincolnshire (good weather - usually!!).

I took some pics but Martinsmoney wont let me link them as i'm a new user so if i type.... i.imgur.com/7xldJfa.jpg and i.imgur.com/aaGY4Nr.jpg you may have a look

My Courgette plants are 3-4 leaf and looking healthy, cucumbers are looking great - everything in fact except these toms which at 50 plants is quite some time and energy into growing them for them to wither and die. :mad:

Any ideas or help would be appreciated.....

I have read about phosphorus deficiency turning leaves purple but I don't want to kill them with kindness if they will sort themselves out. I realise the weather has been a bit cold lately. I did after potting on give them plenty of water and maybe did overwater them. THe Minibell ones seem fine, all the rest - Alicante, Yellow Stuffer, Supermarmande, Gardeners Delight and Tumbler are all looking a wee bit green round the gills. Or should that read purple

Mojisola

With the night temperatures at the moment, it's possibly a normal reaction to cold but I would have thought your cues would also be showing signs.

Brock_and_Roll

Every year about this time I worry that my toms are growing too slowly compared with other plants!

I may be wrong but it seems to me that they put on a growth spurt when the temperature reaches a certain level for s sustained period during the day, rather than the somewhat variable conditions we have had recently.

Personally, I would not worry - the running order for "take off" for me is 1) Courgette 2) Cucumbers 3) Toms & French Beans

D-K-M

As I've been writing this the sun has come out and the conservatory is getting nice n warm :-). I've been putting the pots in a tray and watering the tray - is this the best method? Really want toms this year - last year was pathetic - pots and toms outside got blight - only courgettes grew, everything else just sat there... nearly made me want to give up! Hence starting later this year.

sobie

Purple leaves do normally mean the plant is either too cold, or has a lack of phosphorus. It won't normally affect young plants so don't worry about it. I'm guessing too cold as its been a very cold start to the year.

If the problem persists later on use a small amount of garden lime to un-lock the phosphorus from the soil. (unless you live in a hard water area, then the tap water should be enough).

I've just looked at your photos and your plants look a little yellow too, I think if you haven't already either pot on into a more nutrient rich/ fresh soil Or use a weak solution of seaweed extract used as a foliar spray. But as I said earlier its quite common in young plants so unless it persists later on don't worry too much.

D-K-M

thanks for the replies...

I guess I was a bit worried as I've grown them before without any problems. I may check out the seaweed extract... but as i'm tight and already spent a fair bit this year can i use any of the following?.. tomato food or miracle gro, fish blood bone. I even have some comfrey in the garden but i guess that would take time to prepare. I live in a very hard water area and I was planning on potting onto the end pots or the garden for bush types and runts.