Same soil, different outcome.

[dcarch]

Interesting how different varieties react differently to the same identical soil mix (Miracle Grow potting mix).

Three Red Robin seedlings look quite normal, while three LGS seedlings don't look that healthy; yellowish leaves.

They are all grown under identical conditions.

dcarch

[TheDens]

I'm having the same result with my three week old Red Robins. Of the four seedlings, one is itty-bitty (half an inch with one stunted, curly set of true leaves), two are a little bigger but still tiny (maybe an inch, two sets of true leaves) and one is a good three inches high, thick-stemmed, bushy, and beautiful with plenty of big, healthy leaves. I have them in Scotts seed starting mix. They're all getting the same light, water, heat, etc.

[TheDens]

Er, wait. I guess I should read posts more carefully before I reply instead of skimming.
Those were two different varieties, not all RR's. Oh well, I'll go sit in the dork corner now.

[dcarch]

Originally Posted by TheDens

Er, wait. I guess I should read posts more carefully before I reply instead of skimming.
Those were two different varieties, not all RR's. Oh well, I'll go sit in the dork corner now.

You are not entirely wrong. Note the one LGS in the middle, it's much larger than the other two, even thongh they all germinated at the same time.

dcarch

[Tomatovator]

I'm seeing the same thing with several different varieties as well. They are all in Scotts mix for seed starting and were all transplanted the same day into 3 1/4" pots. Some are dark green and thriving and a few others are yellowish and small. Same soil (less), same lights, same watering, etc.??? I was thinking that the yellowish smallish ones may not be draining as well as the others but I don't know why that would be. They are all side by side under the same lights.

[feldon30]

Not surprising to see some yellowing and purpling of leaves as they are still "learning" how to draw nutrients from the soil and get everything balanced out. Another week and I would do 1/4 strength fish emulsion.

[Tomatovator]

I am still seeing this yellowing condition on several (not all) of my seedlings. Even though the leaves are a yellowish color with green veins in them the plants themselves are growing pretty good. If they were to continue growing but remained yellowish would they eventually recover in the garden? I did put the whole batch on a heating mat yesterday just in case the roots are too cold.

[bcday]

I have had the same thing happen with Miracle-Gro for two years in a row and was thinking of switching to another mix this year. If other folks are having the same results with other mixes though, I guess I'll stick with MG and see if fish emulsion or something like that will make a difference.

I thought it was probably due to uneven mixing of ingredients. Then a small cell holding only a couple of tablespoons of mix would have too much of one ingredient or not enough of something else.

The plants that had the yellowing did keep pace with their siblings and did fine once I got them out into the garden. Soon after planting out, I couldn't tell them from the others. 8)

[michael johnson]

regardless of the seedling or potting mix brand name- you will find that if you do you initial watering-(even on the seeds to start with when germinating) but especialy so with potting mixes, with a good quality seaweed liquid extract- (not fertilizer) with nitrogen etc,added.
or alternativly a good trace element addative, liquid or otherwise, most of these symptoms will disappear almost overnight, regardless of variety,or compost mix. :wink:

[feraltomatoes]

Different varieties do react differently.
I notice this every year with flats and flats of different varieties. Looks like a checkerboard sometimes in the greenhouse, all in the same conditions.
Always seems to be a few that are ahead or behind but most seem to even out.(even the ones that put out a giant leaf at first)
MG soil is acually one of the best as much as I hate to admit it(not a large corp fan).
I found out when my brother transplanted some stressed out seedlings in some MG and three other mixes. There was no comparison.

[travis]

Isn't Red Robin a hybrid? If so, that might explain the consistency in size and appearance of those 3 seedlings.

PV

[Suze]

Originally Posted by Papa Vic

Isn't Red Robin a hybrid? If so, that might explain the consistency in size and appearance of those 3 seedlings.

It grows true to type for me.

See also TGS website:

Red Robin #6010 (30 seeds) $2.55
A dwarf variety of cherry tomato for container growing - hanging baskets, windowsill or patio growing. Plants remain 8 to 12 in. tall and bear masses of 1-1/4 inch fruit with a mild, sweet flavor. Very tender skin and good taste even when fruit is grown indoors. Ornamental also. 55 days.

I've noticed that the dwarf types frequently look more vibrant than other seedlings, especially at earlier stages. At least that's been my experience.

-S.

[Suze]

Originally Posted by michael johnson

regardless of the seedling or potting mix brand name- you will find that if you do you initial watering-(even on the seeds to start with when germinating) but especialy so with potting mixes, with a good quality seaweed liquid extract- (not fertilizer) with nitrogen etc,added.
or alternativly a good trace element addative, liquid or otherwise, most of these symptoms will disappear almost overnight, regardless of variety,or compost mix. :wink:

I use a very dilute seaweed emulsion for the first necessary watering after germination.

And again, about a week after they get potted up.

I forgot to do it this year, and had some minor yellowing.

-S.

[travis]

okay ... thanks