There are a few important things to consider when growing and pricking out is one of them. Did you seem to have successfully completed this step with your tomatoes, but your tomato plants have stopped growing and now you’re worried?
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This can be completely normal and is not necessarily the result of an error. What could be the reason why the plants appear to be at a standstill in growth?
Tomato plants not growing: Don’t panic, everything could be fine
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First of all, it should be said that there does not necessarily have to be an actual problem, especially if you really noticed the growth stop after pricking.
Transplanting a plant first of all changes its focus when it comes to growth. While it already had the right amount of roots formed and a firm footing for its previous location and soil, it now needs to be “upgraded”. So instead of continuing to develop leaves and stems, the tomato plants temporarily focus more on the roots. This process can take 10 days or more from the time of pricking.
Incidentally, the tomato plants take a break from growth again later when you plant them out.
However, if some time has passed and the problem persists, it could also be due to the following reasons:
Tomato plants do not grow due to improper nutrient supply
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So far, the plants have been growing in nutrient-poor potting soil and their starter package of nutrients from the seeds has been sufficient for them. But now they have reached a growth phase in which they need additional care. When repotting, did you remember to change the soil or at least add fertilizer?
If not, you don’t have to start repotting again right away. This would only put the plants under stress again. However, you can give them suitable liquid fertilizer.
But it’s not just a nutrient deficiency that could be the cause. Even if it was too much of a good thing, it can have a negative impact on growth. The optimal amount and composition depends on your variety. Inquire.
Read here what you should pay attention to when pricking.
Is the new earth too solid?
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The roots of your seedlings are still quite tender and the plant itself does not have nearly as much strength as a fully grown one. Logical, yes! If the new soil is not loose enough, the roots that the plant now forms after repotting may have difficulty penetrating the substrate.
And, as already mentioned, the tomato plant will not continue to grow upwards until it has developed the best base, i.e. the root system, for it.
Tomatoes do not continue to grow after pricking out: the roots may be damaged
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The likelihood that you have damaged the roots of any seedlings is extremely small. However, if you only noticed the growth stop in some plants, that could well be the reason.
In this case, all you can do is wait and hope that the plants recover. Digging them up again would be absolutely pointless and would only reduce the chance unnecessarily.
It is too cold and/or too dark
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Temperatures that are too high in combination with weak light lead to undesirable yellowing of the plants (they grow too quickly and neglect the formation of leaves and chlorophyll). The other extreme is also not okay and can cause tomatoes that have just been repotted and are already stressed to stop growing.
What is the best way to grow tomatoes? Make sure temperatures are between 16 and 18 degrees and that there is enough light without direct sun. It might help to put the pots outside during the day when the weather is nice. However, be sure to avoid direct sunlight.
You can find out how you can save rotten tomatoes here.