Why are my leaves turning red/purple? #300995 - Ask Extension
This winter, a lot of my vegetable plant leaves have begun to turn red/purplish, and the plants are not growing very well. Some of my mustard greens w...
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Why are my leaves turning red/purple? #300995
Asked February 14, 2016, 9:11 AM EST
This winter, a lot of my vegetable plant leaves have begun to turn red/purplish, and the plants are not growing very well. Some of my mustard greens were turning yellow and looking unhealthy, but when I cut back on watering and thinned them out a bit they seemed to do better. I have added sulfur, biomin booster, and fertilizer. Below see arugula, strawberry and sorrel turning purple. My cabbage transplant has also turned this color. Please advise me on what the solution could be. I would like to get my soil/garden healthy before the next planting season. Thanks!
Travis County Texas
Expert Response
That could be in part due to cooler temperatures and less nutrient uptake by the plants. Phosphorus deficiency can cause leaves to turn purplish but it is generally in good supply in our soils so I would have a soil test done before adding additional phosphorus. If your soil stays too wet or too dry that too can cause such symptoms by damaging roots and subsequent nutrient uptake.
I suggest you add an inch or two of compost to the soil and build up raised beds to improve nutrient content and drainage. Your spring garden will therefore most likely be better and not show these symptoms.
I suggest you add an inch or two of compost to the soil and build up raised beds to improve nutrient content and drainage. Your spring garden will therefore most likely be better and not show these symptoms.
