Why Are My Tomato Plants Purple?

If you are a tomato grower, one of the things you might encounter when growing your tomatoes is a purple hue on your plants. While tomatoes are known for their bright and vibrant colors, purple tomatoes can be a cause for concern among gardeners. In this article, we'll delve into the reasons why your tomato plants may be turning purple and what you can do about it.

Nutrient Deficiencies

The most common reason for purple tomato plants is a nutrient deficiency. This can occur when your plants do not get enough nutrients from the soil. Specifically, purple tomatoes can be a sign of a phosphorus deficiency. If your plants lack phosphorus, they may also be stunted in growth, and their leaves may be small and distorted. To address this issue, you can add a phosphorus-rich fertilizer to the soil or amend the soil with bone meal or rock phosphate.

Temperature Stress

Another reason for purple tomato plants is temperature stress. If your plants are subjected to temperatures that are too low or too high, they may develop a purple color. This can happen when temperatures drop below 50°F or rise above 85°F during the day. To prevent temperature stress, it's essential to keep your plants in a location that provides consistent temperatures throughout the day and night.

Sunlight Exposure

Sunlight exposure can also cause purple tomatoes. If your plants are exposed to too much direct sunlight, their leaves and stems may turn purple. This can happen when they are grown in containers or pots that get too hot or when they are placed in a location that receives excessive sunlight. To address this issue, you can move your plants to a shadier spot or provide them with some shade cloth to protect them from the sun's rays.

Genetics

Finally, some tomato varieties are naturally purple or have purple hues in their leaves or fruit. For these plants, there's nothing to worry about. In fact, many gardeners seek out purple tomatoes for their unique color and taste. If you're growing a tomato variety that is known to have purple attributes, then the issue is simply one of genetics.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, purple tomato plants can be caused by many things, including nutrient deficiencies, temperature stress, sunlight exposure, or genetics. By identifying the cause of your plants' purple hue, you can take steps to correct the problem and ensure that your tomatoes thrive. With proper care and attention, your tomato plants will reward you with healthy and delicious fruit all season long.