• Everything other than hot peppers. Questions, discussion, and grow logs. Cannabis grow pics are only allowed when posted from a legal juridstiction.

Tomato sprouts getting too tall!

Tim Vader

Tim Vader

My tomatos started sprouting less than a week ago and they are getting so tall they are starting to fall over. They are still in the seed starter kit, should I get these into potting soil and a cup soon, or will they strengthen up?
 
Hmm, I've never had that issue with my tomatoes unless they weren't getting enough light, or if they were too far from the light. I transplant my tomatoes once they get their second set of true leaves.
 
tomatoes grow at a much faster rate than peppers so it still makes sense they're simply not getting the light they need to keep from stretching.  Good thing is they will root all the way up the stalk so when you transplant, bury them deeper.  In the meantime, get better light or at least get them closer to it. Tomatoes will stretch badly. 
 
I have them about 6" under T8 lights. They have been getting plenty. You think I should plant them in cups tomorrow?
 
Took this yesterday, they are probably 1/2" to an inch taller now. Tomato plants are on the top left
E4B6E378-6DFD-493F-BF94-8A70C4A905F2-808-0000008ABA835F03_zpsae275d0a.jpg
 
In my opinion you need to get them closer to the lights, perhaps around 3". That's where I keep mine, maybe even a bit closer than that.
 
they should be fine for a little while longer before needing to be transplanted.  I agree, get them 2-3" under the lights.  T8's shouldn't burn them.  Some of my peppers have touched the lights for days and were fine. 
 
Did you start any of the wapsipinicon peach tomatoes? :)
 
Browning said:
they should be fine for a little while longer before needing to be transplanted.  I agree, get them 2-3" under the lights.  T8's shouldn't burn them.  Some of my peppers have touched the lights for days and were fine. 
 
Did you start any of the wapsipinicon peach tomatoes? :)
Click to expand...
those are the tall ones!
 
Mine always get leggy fast. Way more than peppers. I transplant and bury them deep. They usually root up to the cotys and do fine. A toothpick or wood skewer can help stabilize short term.
 
Indeterminate tomato vatieties will grow fast and lanky. I would suggest blowing a box fan on them along with a deeper transplant.

edit: reflective material around the edges of your grow shelf will help keep some light in also.
 
Penny said:
Agree with what everyone said, and when it does come time to plant them, bury them right up to the first set of leaves.
Click to expand...
 
 
I agree with all the above, lower the lights, or raise the trays. And, as Penny said, when you go to transplant, plant them deep.
 
Tim Vader said:
I raised the tray up to the lights, I am keeping an eye on it though. Bury them to the leaves? Sounds good to me!
Click to expand...
 
 
I've always done that when I plant them outside, and I add some crushed egg shells in the bottom first...then plant them up to the first set of leaves. ;)
 
Do you have a fan blowing on them? The wind and the movement from the wind exercises the stems and makes em stronger. Keeping the lights closer helps a little too.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top