White Spots on eggplant seedling leaves - Ask Extension
Some of the older leaves on my eggplant seedlings have developed these white necrotic looking spots. The seedlings are about 5 weeks old and have been...
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White Spots on eggplant seedling leaves #924608
Asked February 15, 2026, 1:53 PM EST
Some of the older leaves on my eggplant seedlings have developed these white necrotic looking spots. The seedlings are about 5 weeks old and have been growing indoors under a full spectrum LED grow light. (I know that this is early to start warm season vegetables.).
The potting media was a mixture of potting soil and coconut coir ( both soilless). After the first true leaves emerged they were fertilized approximately weekly with a 50% diluted solution of Miracle Grow Quick Start 4-12-4. They were started in a 32-cell insert in a 1020 tray, bottom watering was used. The dilute fertilizer was poured directly on the soil using a funnel to avoid getting it on the leaves .
Photos are of the upper and under side of the leaf.
Whatever help you can give me would be appreciated!
Charles County Maryland
Expert Response
If these seedlings were started with the same process as the others you inquired about (layered coco coir on top of a peat-based mix), the scorch could be a result of moisture stress at some point, if the bottom watering method didn't adequately rehydrate the top of the container. Eggplant seedlings are prone to phytotoxicity (tissue damage, usually from chemical injury like pesticide sprays or sometimes fertilizer salts) when growing conditions are not ideal. Fortunately, this doesn't look like significant damage.
Try to maintain day temperatures in mid 70s F, and consider increasing the distance from the lights to the foliage in case it's getting too intense as the seedlings get taller. Let the top of the potting mix dry slightly between irrigations, and water from the top to help flush out any accumulated fertilizer salts that can build up in the base of the container. As they grow, move the seedlings into 4" containers so they have enough root room. Seaweed extract fertilizer may help to reduce plant stress. Fertilizers with a 3-1-2 (N-P-K) ratio are preferable to a formulation like 4-12-4, since they provide a greater proportion of nitrogen (the nutrient needed in the greatest quantity by plants, especially in containers).
Miri
Try to maintain day temperatures in mid 70s F, and consider increasing the distance from the lights to the foliage in case it's getting too intense as the seedlings get taller. Let the top of the potting mix dry slightly between irrigations, and water from the top to help flush out any accumulated fertilizer salts that can build up in the base of the container. As they grow, move the seedlings into 4" containers so they have enough root room. Seaweed extract fertilizer may help to reduce plant stress. Fertilizers with a 3-1-2 (N-P-K) ratio are preferable to a formulation like 4-12-4, since they provide a greater proportion of nitrogen (the nutrient needed in the greatest quantity by plants, especially in containers).
Miri
