Causes of Your Tomato Leaves Turning Purple

Your Tomato Leaves Turning Purple (& How to Repair)

Some varieties of tomatoes contain purple fruit, which adds a wonderful pop color to salads and sandwiches. Other tomato varieties have naturally purple leaves. However, if your previously green tomato leaves suddenly turn purple, you may have a problem with your hands. Follow this guide to identify the most likely cause and restore your plants to good health.

1. Potassium deficiency

Potassium (K) is essential for intensive growth. It plays a role in the production of sugars and starches to enhance flower and fruit production. It is also essential in the processes that plants use to create their own food. Chlorophyll, located in the cells of plants, helps absorb energy from the sun during photosynthesis. The plant then converts water and carbon dioxide into oxygen and carbohydrates, which are stored to form new leaves and plant parts. Potassium is essential in this photosynthetic process. Adequate potassium can cause plants to grow poorly and turn their leaves purple.

2. Magnesium deficiency

Magnesium (Mg) is found in the central nucleus of chlorophyll molecules in plant cells. It is also essential with potassium in the process of photosynthesis. If there is a magnesium deficiency, there is a chlorophyll deficiency, resulting in stunted and poor plant growth and the possibility of purple leaves. Organic manure is a good source of magnesium. Fix the problem by adding organic fertilizer regularly to the soil, or mix like mulch.

3. Phosphorus deficiency

Phosphorus (P) is important for root growth. If the soil is deficient in phosphorus or when the plant is struggling to absorb it, the leaves will turn dark green and slightly purple. Without any intervention, the plants will experience stunted and late flowering. The leaves may even turn into curling spots.

4. Cold soil

Tomato seedlings have trouble absorbing essential minerals like potassium and phosphorus from the soil where it is very cold. This means that the leaves turn purple or yellow until the soil warms up. This problem can be solved automatically when the soil warms up and the leaves return to their natural green color. However, the growth of the plant may be stunted or distorted. It does not produce enough flowers for a good fruit harvest.

5. Sunburn

Seedlings that receive more sunlight or seedlings that are too close to grow can be affected by sunlight. The leaves turn purple or red and, if unnoticed, begin to curl and become crisp. Adjust the light source for the seedlings and treat with general fertilizer if necessary.

6. Viral infections

Some viral infections can cause the leaves of the tomato to turn purple or appear purple. The wilt virus (TSWV) with tomato spots is one of the dark brown to purple spots on the leaves. The virus is transmitted by thrips and the fruits are distorted and have yellow hoop marks. The only way to treat this virus is to treat it with thrips. Try neem oil or insecticidal soap.

Use in thrips may require strong action in the form of a specially formulated pesticide. Follow-up is essential when they fly away and avoid treatment. If the problem persists, the affected plants may need to be removed and destroyed.