First True Leaves?

ArcherBen 4/1/2010, 12:13 pm

I started some tomato seed about 1 1/2 weeks ago (for the first time) and I am wondering what exactly are the first true leaves? Take a look at these pics and let me know if these are ready to trim down to one plant for peat pod. Also, at what point do I need to transplant them from the peat pods to a larger pot? Thanks.

First True Leaves? IMG_0869

chocolatepop 4/1/2010, 12:33 pm

Hello and welcome!

Those are some cutesie seedlings you have! So far what you see as far as leaves are the cotyledons or seed leaves. they are basically the "feeder" leaves until the seedlings develop their true leaves which can perform photosynthesis. The way it was explained to me is that the cotyledons are like a yolk, which feeds the "baby" until the big girls leaves can do their job.

I usually wait to pot up until my seedlings have at least one set of "true leaves". Then I place some potting soil (or mels mix) in the bottom of the bigger container, set the seedling as deep as you can to cover most of the stem leaving just the cotyledons and above exposted. All the stem that you bury will grow more roots and be even stronger of a plant!

Now, IDK if i do it right, but it seems to work Smile

**camprn** 4/1/2010, 2:19 pm

Your seedlings look happy. here is an informational page and an illustration http://chestofbooks.com/gardening-horticulture/Commercial-Gardening-4/Tomato-Cultivation.html

First True Leaves? Fig-494-Seedling-Tomato-Plant

First True Leaves? Fig-494-Seedling-Tomato-Plant

chocolatepop 4/1/2010, 2:25 pm

great picture!! Make so much more sense to SEE it than to type it!

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