Cherry and beefsteak tomatoes. Noticed on the beefsteak first. It started at the top of the plant and worked its way down. Today I went out to do my usual watering and checking on everything and noticed that my cherry tomatoes were showing the same type of wilting. Tomatoes are growing relatively well and the leaves are not discolored, just wilted. Raised bed, Zone 8a. What’s going on with my tomatoes?
Update: Based on everyone’s comments (thank you so much!). I’ve trimmed the plants considerably to open them up and improve airflow, I’ll be getting straw for the soil and installing a shade cloth and hopefully that does the trick.
It’s physiological leaf roll. Its a reaction to environmental stressors, likely the heat. It causes no damage to the plant and doesn’t reduce the yield.
The treatment for it is ignoring it.
https://hortsense.cahnrs.wsu.edu/fact-sheet/tomato-physiological-leaf-roll/
Unless they start yellowing or stunting it’s probably just leaf roll, which is just a physiological response to environmental stressors. Could be too hot, too cold, or over/underwatering. If it’s a temp thing, it should resolve on its own and shouldn’t cause any permanent damage.
If it has been a little cool where you live (or the soil is too wet), it will resolve when the temperatures rise (or vice versa if it’s been hot).
Edit: Based on your comment below, I’m guessing this is a result of the heat. Consider shading them.
