
Curling Leaves on Tomato Plant
I live and garden in central California. The leaves on my Roma tomato plant are curling. It is in a large pot and placed in sunshine. What am I doing wrong?
Curling leaves can be caused by heat and drought stress or insect damage. Tomatoes and other plants often curl their leaves to conserve moisture during hot, dry periods. Make sure the plants receive sufficient moisture. Water the container thoroughly so the excess runs out the bottom. Check the soil everyday. Plants growing in containers may need to be watered once or twice a day. Check the soil several inches below the surface. When it feels slightly dry and crumbly it is time to water again. Aphids (insects) can also cause curled leaves. You can see these small insects inside the curled leaves. A strong blast of water is often enough. Follow with several applications of insecticidal soap (a soap that kills insects and is soft on plants) or Neem if needed. Some viral diseases can also cause leaf curling and distinct patterns of leaf discoloration. Unfortunately there is no control for these. Destroy the infected plants to prevent the spread of disease.
Related
Upcoming Live Events
& Webinars
Feb. 14-16, 2025
NARI Milwaukee Spring Home Improvement Show
West Allis, WI
Feb. 19, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Strategies for Managing Invasive Plants
Register here
Feb. 26, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Create a Beautiful Shade Garden
Register here
Feb. 27, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
How to Select Rain Garden Plants
Register here
March 12, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Grow Pollinator-friendly Spring and Summer Flowering Bulbs
Register here
March 19, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Be a Waterwise Gardener
Register here
March 22, 23, 29, 30, 2025
REALTORS Home & Garden Show
West Allis, WI
March 26, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Succession Planting & Crop Rotation
Register here
March 27, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Rain Garden Q & A
Register here
April 2, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Container Gardens for Sun & Shade
Register here
April 10, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Reinvigorate Your Rain Garden
Register here
May 7, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Vertical Gardening
Register here
May 15, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
7 Steps to Managing Water on Your Property
Register here
June 4, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Attracting Hummingbirds
Register here
WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS
Learn More