Whenpepper plantleaves turn yellow it’s called chlorosis.
The leaves aren’t able to efficiently make chlorophyll - the substance that keeps them a uniform green color.
The purpose of leaves is to feed plants by converting sunlight into energy using chlorophyll.
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Yellow foliage results in fewer fruits, stunted plants, and even plant death.
Nitrogen Deficiency
Not enough nitrogen in the soil is the main reason pepper plant leaves yellow.
Discoloration starts at the bottom of the plant and spreads upwards.
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The foliage should remain uniformly green throughout the plant.
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Don’t expect yellow leaves to turn green.
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Instead, focus on new growth and follow directions on the product label.
In the case of fertilizers, more is not better.
Over-tool can lead to an imbalance that causes other nutrient deficiencies.
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Overwatering
Errors in watering are another major cause of yellowing leaves.
Peppers grow best in soil that drains well and is kept consistently moist.
Oversaturated soil affects the entire plant causing root damage and fading foliage.
Leaves start to droop and develop spots, eventually turning yellow and dropping off.
This depends on the amount of rainfall you receive but an inch or two a week is sufficient.
As plants mature irrigate less often but more deeply.
For container plants, choose pots with plenty of drainage holes.
If your potted plants are oversaturated you could repot in drier soil.
Underwatering
Wilting along with discoloration on foliage is a sign your plant needs more water.
Underwatering can be just as damaging to pepper plants as overwatering.
Deep watering on a schedule works better than frequent, shallow watering.
Check the soil regularly.
The surface needs to stay moist but not soggy.
you’re free to alsouse a moisture meterto help establish an adequate watering routine.
Once the soil warms, apply a light mulch to help retain moisture.
These pests quickly multiply into infestations that can damage an entire plant if not controlled.
How to Prevent Pest Damage on Pepper Plants
Inspect plants regularly for pest or pest damage.
At the first sign, apply neem or horticultural oil.
Repeat applications may be necessary.
Invite predators of these pestsinto your garden by providing nectar and pollen-producing flowers and herbs.
Cold Exposure
Peppers are warm-weather crops with a long growing season depending on variety.
Some types, especially chile peppers need 150 days to produce fruit.
Colder temperatures stress pepper plants causing leaves to turn chlorotic and drop prematurely.
This extends your growing season allowing fruit to mature before temperatures start to drop overnight in late summer.
Choose varieties that mature early.
Use an insulating row cover overnight and move potted plants into an unheated garage or greenhouse.
Plants with magnesium deficiency turn yellow between the veins which remain green.
Lack of potassium causes leaves to yellow along the edges while the center stays green.
Iron deficiency also causes entire leaves to turn yellow and drop early.
The easiest fix is to apply a balanced fertilizer according to product label during the growing season.
Rotate pepper crops with bean crops which deliver nitrogen back into soil.
Yellow leaves are going to eventually turn brown and drop.
Otherwise it’s best to remove yellow leaves to prevent mold and other disease from moving in.
The use ofepsom salton pepper plants receives mixed reviews from gardening experts.
It can provide a shot of magnesium to soil but should be used judiciously.
Too much salinity is damaging and loses its value when over-applied.
