i have the same problem i have some blossums but plants are seem to have stopped growing and the bottom leaves are curled upside down

Topnotch - Since you are in Z6 I am assuming these plants are already in the ground, correct? ;) Purpling of stems and leaves with seedlings is usually associated with cooler temps and/or transplant shock and usually goes away on its own once the plants are settled in the garden and the temps settle.

But in older, established plants it is usually a sign of plant stress from too much water and nutrient deficiencies. Since your plants are also showing slow growth, that is the best bet I think.

So we need to know about your soil and fertilizer/feeding program. How tall are these? When were they transplanted? What are they planted in? How was your soil amended before planting? What have you been feeding and how often? Can you give some additional details? Thanks.

Meanwhile, if you will go to the Tomato Pests & Disease Forum and look up the thread called Problem Solver 2, it has a list of many links about tomato problems to explore and many have pictures you can compare to your plants. And also check out the post linked below.

Dave

Here is a link that might be useful: Purple stems and veins

DigDirt,

Sorry for the delay.
All the seeds were sown in soilless seed starting mix, with the majority of seeds germinating about 8-9 weeks ago in small seedling trays and then transplanted to larger 8 ounce + containers when there two-true leaves emerged (about 5-6 weeks ago.) During that same I transplanted them to larger containers was when I also added a slow release fertilizer to the soilless mix. Some of the plants seemed a bit leggy, so I transplanted them a bit deeper in the containers.

Many of the containers I planted in will be large enough, that I won't need to transplant them again until out to the garden site. Currently, the plants are in full sun, watered as needed and nearly all the plants have a few sets of leaves. However, most of the plants (as I mentioned in the original post) have purple stems and seems as if the growth height has "stalled" for almost the last two/three plus weeks. I do have a few that are growing very well. I am wondering if this is usual? Are they establishing their root system at this point, while not growing upward? The best way to explain this would be "miniaturized plants" no more than 2-3 inches tall from the soil line.

I will be more than happy to provide you with additional information. Just let me know what your are seeking. I will post images as soon as I can. Any and all of your combined knowledge would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

TNV

Any suggestions/recommendations?

I just bought and transplanted an older (18-24 inch) Beefsteak and it has a purple-ish stem. Can I assume this to be transplant shock? Planted in a container with pro-mix potting soil.

I just bought and transplanted an older (18-24 inch) Beefsteak and it has a purple-ish stem. Can I assume this to be transplant shock? Planted in a container with pro-mix potting soil.

Some of the on-line Colorado State University research points to phosphorous deficiency. This does NOT mean the soil is deficient. Cold temperatures make the nutrient unavailable to the plant. Only after conditions warm, and the symptoms persist, should the soil be considered deficient.