Knowledgebase

yellowing of cucumber leaves #261505

Asked July 13, 2015, 12:32 PM EDT

My cucumber plants in container look very healthy. However lately leaves at the bottom are wilting and have started to turn yellow (Photo uploaded) please let me know if it is infected. If so what do you recommend. I added Epsom salt in water at the rate of 2 TBS per gallon of water and plan to feed the plant once every two weeks. Is this quantity and time gap right for the plant?

Frederick County Maryland

Expert Response

It is normal for the older, lower leaves on cucumber vines to yellow and dry up, however, the yellowing of younger leaves can be the result of a nutrient imbalance.  Although the Epsom salts is not necessarily harmful to the plant, the soil most likely contains adequate magnesium and you should concentrate on the NPK applications.  Don't overdo the fertilization, since there can also be a build-up of salts in the soil and this would then have a detrimental effect on the plant.   Also, make sure the container is draining adequately.  Excess water in the soil will also cause chlorosis.
LS

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