This is my 3rd time trying to grow rhubarb. Each time one by one the leaves turn yellow, dry up and die. This continues until the whole plant is dead.
Related Stories: I think that yellow leaves on some plants mean they need too much water. Is that also true for rhubarb?
As a cool-weather perennial vegetable, rhubarb is prized for its tart and tasty early spring stalks. The large, green leaves fuel the plant through photosynthesis. But sometimes rhubarb gardeners are dismayed to see those leaves turn yellow instead of green.
Yellowing leaves on your rhubarb can indicate several underlying issues. Read on to learn the most common reasons for yellow rhubarb foliage and what you can do to restore the leaves to their normal green hue.
Top Causes of Yellow Rhubarb Leaves
Rhubarb leaves don’t just turn yellow on a whim Their change in color is the plant’s way of signaling that something is wrong Here are some of the most likely culprits
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Overwatering
- Underwatering
- Root diseases
- Pest problems
- Sunscald
- Herbicide damage
Nutrient Deficiencies
Lack of key nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium is a prime cause of yellowing in rhubarb leaves. Without adequate nutrients from the soil, the leaves cannot maintain their normal green chlorophyll pigment
Improper Watering
Both overwatering and underwatering rhubarb can induce yellowing leaves. Too much moisture damages roots and makes nutrients unavailable. Too little water also stresses the roots. The plant responds by halting chlorophyll production.
Diseases & Pests
Root and crown diseases impede the roots’ ability to take up water and nutrients. Leaf-attacking pests like aphids and spider mites suck out nutrients and chlorophyll. Their feeding causes yellow splotches.
Environmental Issues
Intense sunlight and heat can scorch rhubarb leaves, turning them yellow or brown. Herbicide drift or spillover from nearby weed-killing can also yellow the foliage.
Diagnosing the Cause of Yellow Leaves
Pinpointing the reason behind yellow rhubarb foliage relies on careful observation and sleuthing:
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Note if yellowing starts at tips or edges vs. all over. This indicates nutrient deficiencies.
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Check for soggy soil or drought stress. Feel soil at 6 inches for moisture.
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Inspect roots and crowns for rot diseases.
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Look closely under leaves for pests like spider mites.
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Consider if sunscald is likely based on exposure and weather.
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Rule out herbicide damage.
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Have soil tested to identify nutrient shortages.
How to Fix and Prevent Yellow Rhubarb Leaves
Once you know the cause of the yellowing, treat the problem at the source:
For Nutrient Deficiencies:
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Apply a balanced fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Manure and compost also add nutrients.
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Do a soil test to determine specific deficiencies and amendment needs.
For Overwatering:
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Allow soil to dry out between waterings.
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Improve drainage by adding organic material or gravel to the soil.
For Underwatering:
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Water rhubarb deeply and thoroughly when top several inches of soil become dry.
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Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses for a consistent water supply.
For Diseases:
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Improve air circulation around plants to reduce fungal infection risk.
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Remove and destroy diseased roots and crowns.
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Apply fungicidal sprays as preventative measures.
For Pests:
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Spray leaves with insecticidal soap or neem oil concentrating on the undersides.
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Attract beneficial predators like ladybugs that feed on pests.
For Sunscald:
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Provide shade with covers or plant companion plants to filter sunlight.
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Ensure adequate soil moisture – dry soil worsens scorching.
To Prevent Future Yellowing:
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Test soil yearly and amend as needed.
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Water carefully – not too much or too little.
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Scout for pests and treat early before they spread.
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Mulch around plants to maintain even soil moisture and temperature.
When to Worry About Yellow Rhubarb Leaves
A few yellow leaves here and there is no cause for alarm. But if yellowing is excessive or spreads rapidly, take quick action to diagnose and treat the issue. Catching problems early prevents major crop damage.
While yellow leaves can be an eyesore, the rhubarb plant will continue focusing energy on its stalk production. As long as the crowns are healthy, you can still harvest stalks from yellow-leafed plants. Simply snip off and discard the unsightly foliage.
With some troubleshooting and TLC, you can get your rhubarb patch green again. Identify why those leaves turned yellow in the first place, and then remedy the underlying cause. Soon you’ll have a thriving rhubarb patch ready to deliver an abundant early spring harvest once again!
Rhubarb Troubleshooting – What’s happening with my rhubarb| Lunch Break VLOG #34
Why is my rhubarb turning yellow?
One of the most common reasons why your rhubarb plant is turning yellow is due to lack of water. Fixing this issue isn’t rocket science. What we’d recommend you do is touch the soil and see if it needs water. If it does, you can spray some water into the soil until it’s wet to the touch. 2. Should I cut off yellow rhubarb leaves?
Can one use green rhubarb?
Green rhubarb is a vegetable similar to celery. You can eat its stems. Its leaves are toxic, so you should not eat them.
Why are my rhubarb leaves discoloring?
The plant can become sunburnt and dehydrated, causing the discoloration of the leaves. Depending on the type of heat also, problems can occur. For example, humid heat can bring on sweating and mold, destroying the plant if left unattended. Rhubarb thrives best in stages of variating temperatures.
Are rhubarb leaves yellow?
Rhubarb is a hardy perennial vegetable that is commonly grown for its delicious and vibrant stems. However, even though it is generally easy to grow and care for, gardeners can face some challenges when growing it as it is not native to the UK. One of the most common problems gardeners can experience when growing rhubarb is yellow leaves.
