Tomato seedlings twisted and stunted

[Judybug]

Does anyone know why my seedling tomatoes that I just transplanted into 4" pots are twisting as in an airplane wing dipping down in a sharp turn would look? They twist, one side down, and turn their heads under. Some are starting to curl and die. This is the first year that I didn't put my newly transplanted seedlings under fluorescent lights and instead tried to have them in a south window in the sun. The house is at 65 degrees. Yesterday I put them under lights but they still are stunted. I planted 16 different varieties and they all have this problem. I moved them from Jiffy seed starting mix to a mixture of potting soil, compost and vermiculite as I have many years before. I gave them Alaska's transplant formula fertilizer. Any ideas?

[Newt]

Hi Judybug,

Looks like they are seeking more light. My suggestion would be to get them under the fluorescent lights at about 4" above the plants. You can turn them each day until they straighten up. I would also suggest you use a fan to move the air in the room. It helps to strengthen the stems. You don't need the fan to blow on the plants, but just above them. Remember you can plant them deeper in the ground then they grew in the pot. It's one of those rare plants you can do this with.

Newt

[Judybug]

Hi Newt-
Thanks for the quick response. I was panicking since about 40 plants were looking really bad. Today, 2 days after getting them under fluorescent lights, their heads are looking up... as I am about the situation. It's great to know this site exists for answers to all types of gardening problems. Glad I joined!
Judy

[Newt]

Judy, you are so very welcome! I'm so glad to know they are looking better and that you joined too. I just realized that I forgot to mention that you can keep the lights on for up to 18 hours a day.

Newt