A Gardeners Forum Forums General Discussion The Food Garden Forum The Tomato Forum White leaves on tops of tomato plants.

HELP! I have been growing some tomato plants under a full spectrum growing lamp and they have been doing great. Within the last few days the top leaves of the tallest plants have been turing white, although the veins seem to be staying green. Other than that they still seem healthy. I have checked my books and cannot find anything that mentions white leaves. Anyone have any ideas? THANKS!

Decrease the alkalinity of the soil.The pH is too high.

white leaves..??? that's a new one to me too.

You might have scorching from too much heat.

Tamara that was my first thought. Might of been too much sunlight too quick. I always have a few that way myself. JD

If you're using halide or other heat producing lamps, then I'd guess heat.
If flourescents, heat isn't a factor...maybe you could give us pics?
When you say "tallest plants," I'm thinking heat is scorching them.

Ciao Mike-

Photos are the easiest way to help us help you. Another source of pale, maybe not white leaves is if the plants get root-bound. Mine are currently rootbound and really really wanting to get in the ground. They're more of a pale chartreuse colour, not white. When you harden your seedlings off, be sure to do it slowly. Direct sunlight can scorch your plants just like the lights might be doing now. Wind can also sometimes cause white-ish leaves, although crispy brown bits are more common.