Zucchini Leaves Turning Yellow | Saving Yellowing Zucchini Leaves

Are you worried about Zucchini Leaves Turning Yellow? Fret not! Here are some great tips and tricks that will help you to save its yellowing foliage!

Zucchini Leaves Turning Yellow can be a major problem while growing this vegetable. To help you out, we have listed the reasons and solutions to keep it at the best of its health in your garden!

 Learn How to Grow Zucchini in India Here

Zucchini Leaves Turning Yellow

1. Not Getting Ample Sunlight

In the lack of enough bright light, the leaves of zucchini start to become yellow.

Zucchini requires 4-5 hours of sun daily. If your plant is placed in the shade, then re-locate it to a spot where it gets ample light.

2. Underwatering

Not getting ample water is one of the leading causes of yellowing zucchini leaves. When the plant absorbs water from the soil, it also intakes nutrients and minerals from water. These nutrients help make chlorophyll in the leaves and its deficiency causes yellowing foliage.

Tip: Water it consistently and regularly to keep the soil slightly moist always. It’s recommended to use compost or aged manure to increase water retention.

3. Fungal or Viral Diseases

Cucumber mosaic virus, fusarium wilt, and downy mildew are some of the top diseases responsible for zucchini leaves turning yellow.

Tip: Remove diseased parts like leaves and stems from the plant. Use organic neem oil or soap solution in case the infection is widespread.

4. Damaged Roots

Sometimes, damaged roots can also result in yellow leaves of zucchini. The plant is unable to supply nutrients and water for healthy growth in such a case, which results in yellow foliage.

Tip: Remove yellowing leaves or rotted roots to hold back zucchini rotting on plant. 

5. Pests Problem

The Zucchini plant is prone to pests like aphids, spider mites, and squash bugs. They can cause yellowing and wilting of leaves, as well as some patchy appearance on the plant.

Tip: Remove the affected parts right away. Companion planting is the right way to deter these pest problems, by attracting beneficial pollinators to the garden.

6. Transplant Shock

If you grow zucchini indoors, chances are the leaves may turn yellow when re-potted or transplanted into the garden. This is termed as transplant shock. The plant takes a couple of days to adapt and revive back.

Tip: To avoid such conditions, make sure the zucchini plant is fully developed or established before you re-pot or transplant it.

Some Handy Tips for Zucchini

• Use disease-resistant varieties to prevent any disease and pest attack.
• Amend the soil with an ample amount of organic matter like compost, or manure.
• If the growing medium is dense or clayey, add peat moss and compost to improve drainage and porosity
• Test the soil before planting, as zucchini likes to thrive in the pH range of 6.5-7.
• Manganese, sulfur, or iron deficiencies can cause yellowing leaves, so feed your plant with the right fertilizer accordingly.