How to Fix Yellowing Leaves on a Blueberry Plant

Yellowing leaves on a blueberry plant almost always point to a soil or nutrition issue rather than a pest problem. Here's how to figure out what's going on.

Soil pH Is Too High

Blueberries need acidic soil to properly absorb nutrients. If your soil pH is too high, leaves often yellow between the veins even though the plant is otherwise well cared for. A soil test and an acidifying fertilizer or soil amendment usually corrects this.

Iron Deficiency

Iron deficiency, often triggered by high soil pH, causes similar interveinal yellowing, especially on new growth. Chelated iron supplements can offer a quicker fix while you address the underlying pH issue.

Overwatering

Blueberries have shallow roots that don't tolerate soggy, waterlogged soil. Overwatering can cause overall yellowing and leaf drop, so make sure the planting site drains well.

Nitrogen Deficiency

Older, lower leaves turning uniformly pale yellow can signal a nitrogen shortage. A fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants typically resolves this over a few weeks.

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