Why Are My Celery Leaves Turning Yellow


Celery leaves turning yellow is a sign of distress in the plant and can occur for various reasons. The most common cause is a lack of nitrogen, which is essential for healthy green foliage growth. An imbalance in soil nutrients or overly dry soil can result in a deficiency.

Another possibility is fungal diseases such as downy mildew or celery mosaic virus, both of which are easily spread by insects and cause discoloration of the leaves.

Poor drainage can also lead to yellowing leaves, as waterlogged soils can lead to root rot and bacterial blight. Without proper drainage, oxygen cannot reach the roots leading to stunted growth and yellowing leaves. Lastly, too much sunlight or heat can cause fading or scorching of the leaves, resulting in yellowing or brown patches as well.

green celery on a white board

How do you fix yellow leaves on plants?

The first step in fixing yellow leaves on celery plants is to assess the environment where they are being grown. Celery likes moist soil with plenty of organic material, such as compost or manure.

Ensure that your soil is draining properly and not becoming water-logged or soggy due to excessive watering or poor drainage. If you notice any sort of mildew or rot developing around the base of the plant, move it immediately and discard any contaminated soil. 

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Another factor that could lead to yellowing leaves is a lack of proper nutrition. Celery needs a balanced diet of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) fertilizers that are applied at specific intervals throughout its growth period.

Add a balanced NPK fertilizer if needed, and ensure you follow package instructions for usage rates and application timing.

Also, check for signs of nutrient deficiency – including discolored stems and wilted foliage, among others – and adjust accordingly as needed based on the type of deficiency present. 

Insect infestations may also cause yellowed leaves on celery plants. Aphids, thrips, beetles, mites, and caterpillars all feed on celery foliage, causing damage that should be addressed immediately upon discovery with an insecticidal soap spray or other suitable insecticide product designated for use on vegetables/herbaceous plants. Ensure to follow label instructions when applying any pesticide product as improper application can lead to further damage or injury to yourself or your crops! 

Finally, if all else fails, consider replacing your entire crop with new seedlings in late winter/early spring after all danger of frost has passed; sometimes starting fresh with healthy seedlings can be just what is needed for a successful harvest! 

Reason for Brown Celery LeavesPossible CausesHow to Fix
OverwateringExcess water in the soil leading to root damage– Allow soil to dry out in-between watering.
– Adjust watering schedule to avoid waterlogged soil.
Fungal or bacterial infectionMoisture promotes the spread of diseases.Remove infected leaves, improve air circulation, and use fungicide or copper-based spray.
Lack of NutrientsNutrient deficienciesFertilize soil using balanced fertilizer.
SunburnExcess sun exposureProvide shade or move the plant to a cooler location.

How often do you water celery plants?

In general, celery plants require consistent moisture to grow properly. Watering them deeply once or twice a week during the growing season is recommended. When watering your celery plants, avoiding getting water on the leaves is important, as this can cause fungal diseases. Instead, focus on watering at the base of the plant where the roots are located.

It’s also important to note that overwatering your celery plants can be just as damaging as underwatering them. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other problems that can ultimately kill your plant.

Young celery growing on a garden: with a text on a pink background "Why Are My Celery Leaves Turning Yellow" in the middle

What is the best fertilizer for celery?

Growing celery can be a rewarding experience, but it’s important to use the right fertilizer for your plants. The best fertilizer for celery is one that is high in potassium, such as a 4-4-8 blend. Before planting, treat the soil with this complete fertilizer to ensure that your celery has all the nutrients it needs. 

Additionally, you can supplement your celery with compost tea, fish or seaweed emulsion, or other organic fertilizers throughout the growing season. If you’re looking for a great all-around option for celery, then Miracle-Gro All Purpose Plant Food is a great choice.

When applying fertilizer to your celery plants, make sure to work it into the top 6 inches of soil and not apply more than 1 inch of compost at a time. It’s also recommended that if pre-plant and early side-dress applications are kept low, and irrigation is efficient and uniform, about 220-260 lbs N/acre should be applied.

Can you eat yellow celery leaves?

If the yellowing of the celery leaves was caused by natural wilting or aging, it is perfectly safe to eat them. In fact, some people even prefer to eat slightly wilted celery as it tends to be sweeter and more flavorful. However, if the yellowing was caused by disease or pest infestation, then it’s best to avoid eating those leaves altogether.

It’s also important to note that while consuming small amounts of yellow celery leaves may not harm you, overconsumption can lead to health problems such as an upset stomach or diarrhea.

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