Your tomato seeds have germinated! What happens next is one of the most important phases in your plant’s journey. This is the stage where delicate sprouts grow into resilient young plants. With the right care, your seedlings will develop strong stems, deep roots, and healthy leaves — the building blocks of future fruit.
What to Expect from Seedlings
At first, your seedlings will show two round “cotyledons” — these are not true leaves, but they help jumpstart photosynthesis. Very soon, the first true leaves will emerge, which resemble mature tomato leaves and indicate real progress.
Key Care Tips During This Phase
- Light: Seedlings need 12–16 hours of bright light daily. Use a sunny windowsill or grow light positioned just above the plants.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist (not wet). Water from the bottom or gently at the base to avoid disease.
- Airflow: Good ventilation strengthens stems and helps prevent damping-off disease.
- Thinning: If multiple seeds sprouted in the same spot, trim the weaker ones — don’t pull, as it can disturb roots.
Boosting Growth with Gentle Feeding
Once seedlings have their first set of true leaves, you can begin feeding them lightly with a diluted, balanced fertilizer. This supports healthy leaf and root development without overwhelming the plant.
AiFarming Pro Tip: With AiFarming’s milestone-based care system, you’ll receive real-time reminders on lighting, watering, thinning, and feeding. We help you raise seedlings with confidence, even if it’s your first time growing.