Yellowing and leaf drop of bottom leaves on pepper seedlings

Kansas City, KS(Zone 5a)

Hello--

I started pepper seedlings indoors about a month ago (Takanotsume, NuMex Jalmundo, Hot Paper Lantern, Jamaican Hot Chocolate habanero, Datil, Fatalii, Red Caribbean habanero). While still in the peat pellets, a few of the seedlings began to turn yellow. I quickly transplanted them into clear 10 oz. plastic cups (w/ drainage holes) filled with miracle gro organic choice potting soil and a distilled watering of half strength fish emulsion, and that seemed to do the trick. Over the past week, though, several of the seedlings' bottom leaves have turned yellow and fallen off. They are only watered when the dry dirt in the cups reaches 3" from the top, and only using distilled water. I pH tested the soil, and all are sitting between 6 and 6.5. Also, I've included a few pictures of some of the affected seedlings. Thanks for any and all help/suggestions!

--Jordan

Thumbnail by WonderWeasel
Kansas City, KS(Zone 5a)

Also, I forgot to mention, none of the plants are rootbound, and all appear to have healthy root growth.

Thumbnail by WonderWeasel
Hutto, TX(Zone 8b)

Jordan,

I believe that the lower leaf drop is normal. As the stem gets more woody, then those leaves may drop. New leaves are growing at the tips. Many of my seedlings dropped a leaf or two and are doing fine.

David

Kansas City, KS(Zone 5a)

Thanks for the reassurance David; I was getting worried! Also, I purchased a moisture meter to make sure I'm not over-watering them, and I was curious about the 1" of water per week rule. Since they are in 9 oz. cups, would that be an inch of water measured out in a 9 oz. cup?

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