skip to main content

Vegetable Gardening Container Gardening House Plants

Tomato new growth stunted?

5 years ago

This tomato I have had for about 3 months and it is growing irregularly. The leaves and stems on the old growth look typical, but since I have had it, the new growth it has put on looks a bit stunted. I repotted it into a 511 mix when I got it, and I used a cloth grow bag that I had laying around and wanted to try but never did. From the day I repotted it, the top layers of the soil were drying out too quickly, leaving the bottom layers moist, so I topped the soil with a layer of Spanish moss to combat evaporation, which seems to have worked because I am getting more consistent moisture anywhere I poke a skewer to check. I fertilize with foliage pro when I water. The temperature here in Florida has been mid to upper 90s all summer and is slowly cooling into the 80s. Any ideas what is going on with the growth?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

daninthedirt (USDA 9a, HZ9, CentTX, Sunset z30, Cfa)
5 years ago
Is it a decent sized pot? Not sure that should be evident from the pictures. An easy way to get stunted growth on any plant is to have it seriously root-bound. In three months, a tomato plant will feel happy in maybe a 5-gallon pot.
0
Matt Barnett
Original Author
5 years ago
The pot is a 2 gallon pot, but the plant is only a couple inches taller than when I bought it. It came in a 4 inch nursery pot, and when I bare-rooted it the replant, it didnt look like it was really filling out the 4 inch pot as it was. I doubt it has outgrown the pot.
0
Related Discussions
killer mulch?
Q
Comments (4)
With one of my favourite sayings in mind, (laziness breeds efficiency) I'd call the horse owner and ask if they know if the hay had been sprayed and, if they didn't know, could they ask their supplier for information. Telephone calls are pretty easy and knowing what, if any, chemicals had been used may change your whole plan of attack and save you some grief and/or a lot of work. To quote Mr. Gene Krantz (one heck of an American icon) "Let's work the problem people. Let's not make things worse by guessing.". In order to "work the problem" one has to first know what the problem is. Good luck. Lloyd
...See More
Early Girl Tomato - Stunted Fruit Growth
Q
Comments (1)
Need images, please.
...See More
Is this tomato stunting my growth?
Q
Comments (2)
Rickcef, Thanks for the advice. That is sort of my feeling as well. I assume that once that tomato is picked, the plant will start growing well again. My determinates always seem to be able to grow and produce at the same time once the summer gets going. I'm not sure if the lack of growth isn't more related to the cooler weather anyway. It seemed to be growing well for a few weeks after transplanting, but that new growth seemed to stop around the same time I noticed the fruit. It is about a foot tall while the others are pushing two feet. I might give them all a little boost of miracle grow since the others are now starting to blossom a little and I think it is warm enough for fruit. I was suprised to see that BrandyBoy be the first to fruit as well, but I guess you just never know. I'll sure be glad to get a taste of that first one, no matter what size plant it came off of. TBT
...See More
Tomatoes Stunted Growth - Points @ bottom?
Q
Comments (2)
Hi, To answer that question, we really need to know what varieties you are growing. Some varieties naturally have a point or "nipple" at the bottom. (Relatively common in paste type and some hearts.) Bets Here is a link that might be useful: Some Paste Tomatoes
...See More
daninthedirt (USDA 9a, HZ9, CentTX, Sunset z30, Cfa)
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
The plant is just a couple of inches taller than it was three months ago? Moist, and in 90F temps? My seedlings grow that much in a week. You have a BIG problem. I'd have to be a bit suspicious about the mix you repotted it in. Have you successfully grown anything else in that stuff? It it a reputable mix? That being said, overfertilization could cause problems. I assume you're following instructions when using that plant food. Fertilizing with every watering using a fertilizer with a mix that is intended for occasional use is not good.
0
digdirt2
5 years ago
It does appear to be very dark green which could indicate over-fertilization, especially nitrogen. and deformed which could be potassium OD. But it would really help to know the name of the variety so we could know what it is 'supposed' to look like. Some varieties are awfully small plant normally but even they require a much larger pot than 2 gallons.

Dave
0
Matt Barnett
Original Author
5 years ago
The mix is 5 parts pine bark, 1 part peat, 1 part perlite. I have many other plants doing well in that mix, so unless tomatos have a different set of cultural requirements, it should be fine. I follow the plant food directions. I'm away for the weekend so I cant check the variety, but I do remember that it is a determinate variety I picked up at Lowes, nothing exotic. Should I lay off the fertilizer for a month and see if there are improvements?
0
digdirt2
5 years ago
Lay off the fertilizer for a bit. It can't hurt and may well help.

Dave
0
rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
5 years ago
My first thoughts were of disease. What does Aster Yellows look like in tomatoes? Uncommon but not unheard of for tomatoes and more likely in a plant from a big box store.
0

Related Stories

EDIBLE GARDENS Summer Crops: How to Grow Tomatoes

By Marianne Lipanovich

Plant tomato seedlings in spring for one of the best tastes of summer, fresh from your backyard

GARDENING GUIDES California Gardener's June Checklist

Update your hydrangeas, catch up on tomatoes and more ways to enjoy your California garden in June

SUMMER GARDENING How to Grow Basil

By Marianne Lipanovich

Bright color, quick growth and endless uses for cooking make this summer annual a winner in the garden or a pot

GARDENING GUIDES California Gardener: What to Do in July

By Margie Grace - Grace Design Associates

Active green thumb or not, top priorities for peak fruit and veggie season: watering, feeding, keeping up with growth

GARDENING GUIDES Texas Gardener's February Checklist

By J. Peterson Garden Design

Show roses some love around Valentine's Day and set the stage for future garden growth with seeds and starts

Guest Picks: Give Your Home a Helping of Spring Greens

By Bonnie Christine

Celebrate garden growth with this collection of housewares and gardening gear in the shades of budding plants

EDIBLE GARDENS 8 Surefire Vegetables and Herbs for Beginning Gardeners

By Abundant City

Learn the edible plants that are popular and easy to grow in a backyard or container garden

FARM YOUR YARD 6 Things to Know Before You Start Growing Your Own Food

By Abundant City

It takes time and practice, but growing edibles in the suburbs or city is possible with smart prep and patience

REGIONAL GARDEN GUIDES Pacific Northwest Gardener: What to Do in April

By Genevieve Schmidt

Get ready for annual flowers and watch out for snails to ensure a bountiful garden now through summer

FARM YOUR YARD How to Build a Raised Bed for Your Veggies and Plants

By Annie Thornton

Whether you’re farming your parking strip or beautifying your backyard, a planting box you make yourself can come in mighty handy

Sponsored

More Discussions

Tiny leaf bite marks

15

Veggie Tales >>> May 2024

36

Overnight low of 43 - peppers ok?

15

More bite marks

2

oregano leaf sizes?

6