Sudden Tomato & Flower Wilting in Las Vegas: Disease or Water?

New tomato, petunias, dahlia wilting 2 weeks after planting; nearby established dahlias and tree fine. Likely soil-borne disease or acute water stress.

Immediate Diagnostic Steps

1. Dig 6″ root ball + 8 oz soil: Take to local nursery (Star Nursery, Moon Valley) for pathogen test.
2. Check drainage: Las Vegas caliche layers can create perched water tables.
3. Inspect stems: Brown vascular streaks = Fusarium/Verticillium wilt.

Disease Management If Confirmed

• Remove & bag infected plants (don’t compost).
• Solarize bed: wet soil, cover with 3-mil clear plastic 4–6 weeks (June–Aug).
• Replant with resistant hybrids (VFN codes on tag).
• Rotate: no solanaceae in that spot 3 years.

If It’s Water

• New plants in amended soil dry faster than surrounding native soil.
• Deep soak daily for 1 week, then taper to 2×/week.
• Mulch 3″ immediately.

Test first—guessing wastes time and money. Early spring in Vegas still allows a replant.