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Why do my tomato plant leaves look like this? #873533

Asked June 17, 2024, 7:43 PM EDT

I have not had the opportunity to feed my chocolate cherry tomatos on my community garden. Is this nutrient deficiency or a virus? What is recommended?

Jefferson County Colorado

Expert Response

Good afternoon!

Thank you for reaching out - the photos are not uploading - would you mind sending them over again? 

Thanks!
Rachel

An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 19, 2024, 4:28 PM EDT
Thank you

On Wed, Jun 19, 2024, 2:28 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied June 19, 2024, 11:33 PM EDT

Hi!

They are still not showing up - maybe emailing them to me would help!

<personal data hidden>

An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 21, 2024, 11:36 AM EDT

Good morning! I received your photos! It looks like a nutrient deficiency. A virus would have more yellow and green discoloration in a pattern across the leaves. It looks like the purple is just on the new leaves of the tomato which is a sign of a potassium deficiency. If you haven't fertilized yet this season I would suggest doing so! When choosing a fertilizer there are three numbers on the bag - the last number represents the amount of potassium in the fertilizer so I would try to find something with a higher third number (example some fertilizers have 5-4-5 or 3-3-6 picking the latter will have more potassium)

Here is a great reference for growing tomatoes - page five has more information on fertilizing specifically.

Thanks for reaching out!
Rachel

An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 26, 2024, 8:37 AM EDT

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