Curling of tomato leaves - Ask Extension
This year as they did last year our young cherry tomatoes grown in a pot have started to show fairly dramatic curling of the leaves in the newest grow...
Knowledgebase
Curling of tomato leaves #870156
Asked May 26, 2024, 1:41 PM EDT
This year as they did last year our young cherry tomatoes grown in a pot have started to show fairly dramatic curling of the leaves in the newest growth on the plants. Last year after a month it seemed to improve but although I did a search on line I couldn't find a cause or cure. What thoughts would you have on cause and treatment?
Thanks for your time
Rice County Minnesota
Expert Response
The most probable cause is too much water at one time. We got 3 inches of water last week and many pots don’t drain very quickly.The weather has also been cooler than the temperature tomatoes prefer. They are happier with temps in the 70s.
If heavy rain is predicted or there is a lot of rain if you can drag your pots under an awning or cover them with light plastic to keep them moist but not soggy that will prevent leaf curl from too much water. Covering them is a little risky because if the plastic stays stuck on the leaves the leaves will be damage.
Check too that your plants are in big enough containers. See the link for a few more causes of leaf curl.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/tomato/tomato-leaves-curling.htm
https://www.epicgardening.com/tomato-leaves-curling/
https://extension.sdstate.edu/why-are-my-tomato-leaves-curled
https://hyg.ipm.illinois.edu/article.php?id=498
If heavy rain is predicted or there is a lot of rain if you can drag your pots under an awning or cover them with light plastic to keep them moist but not soggy that will prevent leaf curl from too much water. Covering them is a little risky because if the plastic stays stuck on the leaves the leaves will be damage.
Check too that your plants are in big enough containers. See the link for a few more causes of leaf curl.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/tomato/tomato-leaves-curling.htm
https://www.epicgardening.com/tomato-leaves-curling/
https://extension.sdstate.edu/why-are-my-tomato-leaves-curled
https://hyg.ipm.illinois.edu/article.php?id=498
Thanks for your quick reply and information.
On May 26, 2024, at 9:20 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Thanks, let’s hope it warms up just a bit, tomatoes will be happier.
