Tomato Verticillium Wilt Control – How To Treat Tomatoes With Verticillium Wilt


Amy Draiss
Verticillium wilt can be a devastating infection for a tomato crop. This fungal infection comes from the soil and cannot be treated with fungicides. The best way to avoid it is to use resistant tomato varieties. It is also important to know the signs of the disease to avoid spreading it from one area of your garden to another.
What is Tomato Verticillium Wilt?
Verticillium wilt is a fungal infection that can affect numerous plants, including tomatoes. The fungus persists in the soil and on plant material. It forms threads that infect plants through the root hairs. The best conditions for verticillium to thrive are those of early spring: cool and wet. Moist soil at a temperature around 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24 Celsius) is ideal for the fungus to start infecting roots.
Signs of Verticillium Wilt on Tomatoes
Although the infection usually begins in spring, you may not see signs of it until summer. One of the first signs of tomatoes with verticillium wilt is the yellowing of older leaves. Yellow changes to brown and then the leaves die.
The disease also causes discoloration of vascular tissue, which you may see as brown streaks up the stems of tomato plants. This discoloration may also be patchy. New shoot tips may wilt and leaves start to curl upward and sometimes drop. The entire plant and individual fruits may be stunted.
Preventing Verticillium Wilt of Tomato
There is no fungicide that can be used to treat verticillium wilt on tomatoes or other plants, so prevention is necessary to avoid the damage this disease causes. First, start with resistant plants. Resistant cultivars are available and have the letter “V” after the name to indicate this.
Verticillium fungi will easily spread from one plant to another if you aren’t careful. Practice good sanitation when you have infections. Keep your tools and equipment washed and disinfected between using on affected and clean plants.
Also important is crop rotation. If you keep planting susceptible crops in the same soil year after year, the fungus will build up and cause repeated infections. Some of the more vulnerable plants in addition to tomatoes are potatoes, strawberries, eggplant, and melons. Plant cover crops, grains, or corn in off years to reduce the fungus in the soil.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free copy of our e-book "How to Grow Delicious Tomatoes".

Mary Ellen Ellis has been gardening for over 20 years. With degrees in Chemistry and Biology, Mary Ellen's specialties are flowers, native plants, and herbs.
- Amy DraissDigital Community Manager
-
What Is A Pollinator Garden? Grow Gorgeous Blooms While Benefiting Your Local Ecosystem
Pollinator gardens look great and also provide a diverse ecosystem that benefits your local pollinating insects and animals. Get started today with this guide!
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
5 Tough Urban Trees That Thrive In Cities – Top Picks For Urban & Suburban Landscapes
Explore the best urban trees that will add value to even the most challenging of landscapes. Get growing with these ideas and enjoy all the benefits of trees.
By Teo Spengler
-
How To Make A Bouquet Garni Or Herb Bundle For Cooking
If you’re a great cook, you may have made an herb bundle before. If this is a new idea, learn how to add sparkle and interest to your dish with a bouquet garni.
By Amy Grant
-
Best Tomatoes For Containers: 10 Tastiest Varieties For Plentiful Produce In Compact Areas
These are the best tomatoes for containers that prove you don't need to have a large space or elaborate garden to grow delicious produce.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
Raised Bed Garden Layout Ideas To Maximize Your Vegetable Harvest
Curious how to maximize your vegetable garden this year? Try these raised bed layout ideas and tips to get the most out of your space.
By Teo Spengler
-
Best Herbs To Plant With Tomatoes: 6 Perfect Companions For Better Flavor & Bigger Harvests
Certain herbs make excellent neighbors to tomatoes in the vegetable garden, repelling pests, keeping down weeds, and enhancing flavor. Try these top varieties.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
7 Best Vegetables To Plant In February – And Start Harvesting From Early Spring
Get a head start on your garden with these delicious veggies. Plant now and you can begin enjoying home-grown harvests sooner than you think.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
How To Grow A Windowsill Full Of Veggies This Winter, According To A Top Gardening Expert
Award-winning journalist and climate-resilient gardening expert Kim Stoddart reveals her top plant picks and tips for a productive winter windowsill garden.
By Kim Stoddart
-
7 Perennial Herbs Perfect For Pots – Enjoy Aromatic Patio Harvests Year After Year
Discover the best perennial herbs to grow in pots. Ideal for small spaces, these low-maintenance plants offer year-round flavor and greenery on your patio.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
Do-It-Yourself Floral Pumpkin Centerpiece
Can you believe this pretty pumpkin centerpiece was made with just $13 worth of supplies? Plus, it was quick and easy.
By Amy Draiss