Changing the color of the back side of the leaves of tomatoes, from green to purple
Independent cultivation of tomato seedlings requires strict adherence to the basic rules of agricultural technology. Regular irrigation, daylight hours, fertilizing - everything must comply with the standards established for each variety. But, sometimes there are situations in which the foliage of the seedlings turns purple, even with proper care.
Causes of color change
The color change primarily affects the lower leaves of the sprouts. Their lower part may become purple, lilac or blue. Color change can occur in a matter of hours.
The main reasons for the color change, from green to purple, are:
- a sharp change in temperature;
- lack of nutrients in the soil.
The appearance of a non-standard color on the back of the leaves indicates that the seedlings have stopped growing. If this is caused by low temperature, then the return of the indicators necessary for seedlings of tomatoes (+ 18-22 ° C) will completely correct the situation.
If the temperature regime was not violated, or its restoration did not return the leaves to their natural color, then it is necessary to reconsider the composition of the fertilizers applied to the soil. Phosphorus deficiency is initially manifested by a change in the color of the back side of the leaves. If the element is not added to the top dressing, then the leaves will begin to curl and press against the stem. The stem becomes stiff and brittle, the roots wither and dry out.
To avoid a lack of phosphorus, I prefer to use complex preparations containing all the important trace elements. In some situations, you can use self-prepared phosphorus top dressing. To do this, I dissolve 250 g of superphosphate in 1 liter of boiling water, insist 10 hours. I dilute the resulting concentrate in 10 liters of water, water the seedlings. The same solution can be used for surface spraying of plants.
For summer residents who prefer natural fertilizers, I advise you to use bone meal as a top dressing. Compost based on hawthorn, rowan berries, feather grass, wormwood, thyme has a good effect. These plants contain a large amount of phosphorus and other trace elements.
A change in the color of the back side of the leaf plates can also be caused by various diseases. In addition to changing the color, the seedlings are covered with plaque, spots, and become thinner. Her root system rots.
Possible consequences
Untimely restoration of the temperature regime and the introduction of the necessary trace elements into the soil will lead young seedlings to death. Surviving sprouts will produce a large number of empty flowers, get sick regularly.
There can be no question of any harvest in such a situation. That is why it is important to immediately respond to any change in the appearance of seedlings and take measures to save it. The main thing is not to get carried away with excessive fertilizing - such actions will not bring anything but harm. It is necessary to use drugs strictly in accordance with the instructions, not exceeding the recommended dosages.
Growing tomatoes on your own is a painstaking process in which even a change in ambient temperature can cause a change in the color of the back of the leaves. Violation of the balance of nutrients in the soil can lead to even more serious consequences.
If you have come across a purple color on the back of the leaves of tomato seedlings, share in the comments how exactly you dealt with this situation and why it arose.
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#tomato seedlings#seedling cultivation#leaf color change