Big Beef Disease Problem? Thick Stems, Dark Leaves?

15 years ago

I am growing about 25 Big Beef Tomatoes from burpee.com indoors until May. I started them from seeds in early February so they are a good size.

Most are under two 48' 40watt florescent lights. The ones that didn't fit are under two 48' 25watt florescent lights. All are in 4' pots. When they were potted up to the 4' pots (1 month ago) I put in Espoma Garden Tone and buried the stems to the first leaves.

The ones under the 40watts are looking lime green, average growth, and seem to be healthy. I have a few under the 25watts that look like completely different strains.

They have stems about three times as thick, extremely dark green leaves on top and a good amount of purple under most leaves. The plants also have tons more 'hair' and sticky on the stems. The leaves aren't yellowing, just much darker and a much larger leaves and more canopy. Are these healthy? Are these healthier than the ones under the 40watts or do they have some disease?

It just seems like two completely different strains. I wonder what is going on???? Anyone have any suggestions?

Comments (3)

anney
15 years ago
The difference has to be the lights if everything else is equal. Your plants with the larger leaves are under the lower wattage, right? Or is it vice versa? Green leaves and thick stems are fine, but I'm almost certain your plants under the lower wattage are adjusting to it as they can. Maybe the information on hardening off below will give you some clues about what happens to plants under various light conditions and might explain why they are so different.

Here is a link that might be useful: Hardening Off, Effects of Light, etc., on seedlings
jusdavi
Original Author
15 years ago
Yes, the larger darker leaves and larger stems are under lower wattage. It just seems odd to me that the healthier plants are under lower wattage.
Related Professionals
Ferndale Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Middle Island Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · McKinney Landscape Contractors · Cordele Landscape Contractors · Firestone Landscape Contractors · Goodlettsville Landscape Contractors · Haverhill Landscape Contractors · Mastic Beach Landscape Contractors · Stony Brook Landscape Contractors · Streamwood Landscape Contractors · Quartz Hill Landscape Contractors · Delaware County Siding & Exteriors · Dale City Siding & Exteriors · Rochester Siding & Exteriors · Menomonee Falls Siding & Exteriors
erin70
14 years ago
Wow, came upon this on a search...I have 2 seedlings from Burpee with the same thing! Mine are the "Black Truffle" variety, plants seem healthy but leaves are VERY thick and dark, dark green....guess I will keep them from the others just in case but so far they are growing well...hope yours are doing well?!

Here is a link that might be useful: Garden Now - Think Later!