Toms Curling Leaves

[Florence Fennel]

Why are the leaves of my tomatoes curling up? Advice please. Am I going to lose them? They are still inside in 3" pots and are about 4" high. I have always ended up buying tomato plants as I've never yet been successful with seed.

[teakdesk]

Really could do with more info, Florence.

Have you recently transplanted them or potted them on ? Leaves can curl after this due to the shock but they will recover.

Are they inside or outside ? Outside in a drying wind or hot sun and they will curl to save water. Inside behind a hot suny window and the same happens. EDIT: I see they are inside!!! Hot sun ? Near a hot radiator ? Etc....

Are they too dry ? Same as above.

Can you post a pic or two ?


It is very unlikely that you have any of the pests or diseases that can cause this so don't worry.

I think they will be Ok with the right growing conditions.

[Alice]

Florence, tomatoes curl their leaves when they are not happy - too hot, too cold, too wet, too dry and sometimes for no reason you can see. If you check these things and they are fine then I'd leave well alone. They grow on and still fruit even if they are sulking.

[zazen999]

Mine were a bit curled when I came back last night, probably from lack of water so they have had a good drink and I've just given them a seaweed feed. They are flowering now so as long as the flowers are continuing, and new leaves grow; I'm not overly worried.

I'd do a check like Alice said, and keep an eye on them and try to keep them steady on heat, cold, water etc as much as you can to try and get them on an even keel.

[bluemoon]

Mine aren't doing much either. I think it's because I stopped heating the greenhouse three or four weeks ago as the weather was beautiful, but it's been really cold since then, especially at night.

[Norm]

Try a bit of Tom feed when you water them. It may take a couple of days, but it should pick them up.

[terrier]

If you've got toms growing in small pots in the house, I would keep the watering to a minimum. Force the roots to grow and find water, the better the root system, the stronger the plant. Once they produce fruit, thats when they need water.

[Florence Fennel]

Thank you all very much. My children tell me I am so laid back I am almost horizontal and never worry, but I'm afraid the thought of not rearing my own toms from seed threw me into a panic yet again! I'll use all the advice, thanks again.