Yellow dill plants: Why does my dill plant turn yellow?
Dill is one of the easiest herbs to grow, as it needs only medium soil, lots of sunshine and moderate humidity. Problems with dill plants are not very common, as it is a hardy, «weed-like» plant that grows in conditions that softer specimens cannot tolerate. However, yellowing of dill plants can be a sign of poor crop maintenance, inadequate site conditions, or even insects or disease. Yellow leaves on dill may also indicate the end of the season. If you are wondering «Why is my dill plant yellow», read on to learn more about common causes.
Why does my dill plant turn yellow?
We all know that dill is the main flavor of canned pickles, that it is a fresh herb to flavor fish and that its seeds are a culinary accent in many recipes. It is believed that this plant is native to the Mediterranean and also has a number of health benefits. The fine, hollow stems and airy foliage, combined with the bright yellow flower umbels, also enhance any garden bed. When dill weeds turn yellow, the cause must be found, otherwise you risk losing all that potential.
If it’s the end of September or October, you’d better ask yourself why the sky is blue. Yellow
is a normal process when cold temperatures come into play and the plant begins to die. Dill is an annual plant that goes to seed at the end of the season and then completes its life cycle. Cold weather indicates that the growing season is over, and once the seed is established, the plant has done its job and will die.
Yellow dill plants are also often caused by inappropriate cultural care. The grass needs 6 to 8 hours of intense sunlight. Lack of light can cause some dulling of the leaves. There can really be too much of a good thing. Too much fertilizer causes salt to build up in the soil, causing the dill to turn yellow. Dill prefers well-drained soil that is not too fertile.
Yellow leaves in the dill of diseases and insects
Dill doesn’t particularly bother insects, but there are always bad actors. The main parasites of dill are aphids. Their sucking feeding activity causes the plant to lose sap and the leaves atrophy and turn yellow. You can see the insects, but their presence is also easily recognized by the honeydew they leave behind. This sticky substance promotes the growth of sooty mould on the leaves and stems.
Dwarf variegated carrot is a disease transmitted by aphids which are responsible for the growth of yellow leaves with red stripes and growth retardation.
Downy mildew is another fungal disease that causes yellow spots on the upper surface of the foliage and a fluffy white growth on the underside.
Other problems with dill plants
Dill can become a weed, so it is best to control the growth of the plant when it is young. Cut off seed heads before they form to avoid over-seeding. Most insect pests avoid dill, but it is excellent for attracting beneficial insects.
Cutworms can be a problem for young plants and root node nematodes attack the root system and cause a general yellowing of the plant.
If you are growing your dill for airy foliage, harvest it early in the season, as warm temperatures force the plant to grow, producing thick, hollow stems and eventually the flower head.
Fortunately, in most areas, dill is relatively easy to handle and problem-free. Long-term gardeners can even expect a second crop of dill when the seeds are planted in mid-summer.