
Petunia leaves turning yellow: Common reasons
- Iron deficiency. Chlorosis may occur in young petunia plants if they have an iron deficiency. This abnormal reduction or...
- Diseases. Yellowing petunia leaves could be due to a disease caused by the tobacco mosaic virus. This is usually...
- Overwatering. Petunia leaves tend to turn yellow if the plant gets too much water.
Why are my Wave Petunia leaves turning yellow?
Experienced growers have found that continuous dry soil is primarily causing the yellowing of Wave Petunia leaves. Moreover, Petunia loves acidic soil with a pH range of 6-6.8.
Why are my petunias not blooming?
Petunias are a heavy blooming plant and as such need to be fertilized and fed regularly. Some of the more common reasons for a nutrient deficiency with petunias is that the roots are too compacted to get adequate nutrients and water to the plant or that they are not being fertilized often enough or with the right fertilizer.
What do you feed petunias when they turn yellow?
Regular Feeding. Deficiencies in nutrients, including nitrogen, potassium, magnesium, sulfur, iron and manganese are often the reason when petunias turn yellow. Feed petunias a water-soluble fertilizer with a ratio such as 24-8-16 every two weeks. Mix the fertilizer at a rate of 1 tablespoon in 1 gallon of water,...
How long does it take for Petunia leaves to turn green?
The good news is that in most cases, the yellow petunia leaves will start to turn green within a week (see photos below). Repeated applications may be needed but don’t overdo it, keep an eye on the leaves for yellowing and also conduct a soil pH test and lower the pH level if required.
See more

Why are the leaves on my petunias turning yellow?
Petunias often turn yellow due to planting problems, not enough sun, poorly drained soil or lack of fertilizer. Tobacco mosaic virus can also cause yellowing on the foliage.
What does Overwatered petunia look like?
An overwatered Petunia will look sad and depressed. You might find white spots on its leaves caused by edema. And its leaves may also turn yellow and fall off prematurely. In severe overwatering cases, your Petunias may also wilt.
How do I bring my petunias back to life?
0:122:24How to Revive Petunias : Grow Guru - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst thing to do is check to make sure you're giving them adequate water they need water inMoreFirst thing to do is check to make sure you're giving them adequate water they need water in containers. Just about every day and in the ground.
Should petunias be watered every day?
The answer Petunias are mildly drought-tolerant, but regular watering helps keeping the flowers in constant bloom. Petunias prefer full sunlight, so be aware, container plants may dry out more quickly during hot weather periods. During such periods the plants require two daily waterings.
How often should hanging petunias be watered?
How often to water petunias in a hanging basket? This is a common question, and the answer is simple: water whenever the top couple of inches of soil feels dry to the touch. Hanging petunia plants may need water daily during the summer, and maybe even twice during periods of extreme heat.
Can petunias take a lot of sun?
Petunias need at least 5 or 6 hours of good sunlight; they'll perform even better when located in full sun all day. The more shade they receive, the fewer flowers they'll produce. Impatiens are a better choice for blooming in shady places.
Why do my petunias look so bad?
Wilting petunia flowers can also be a sign of too much water. Always check the soil around your petunias before watering–if the soil is still damp, don't water it. Lack of sun can also lead to the wilting of petunias. Petunias prefer full sun and will produce the most flowers if they get it.
How do you care for potted petunias?
Caring for Petunias in Pots Every few days, give them a long, slow drink. Wetting the flowers and foliage can promote disease, so water either from below or close to the surface of the soil. You don't want to waterlog your roots either, though, so make sure your container has very good drainage.
What is the best fertilizer for petunias?
Best Fertilizer For Petunias Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer with an 8-8-8 or 10-10-10 ratio throughout the growing season, or use a product like Miracle Grow. Feeding the plants throughout the growing season will ensure consistent growth and lots of flowers.
Can you water petunias in the hot sun?
Hanging petunia plants will most likely need to be watered daily during the summer, and maybe even twice, when the weather is extremely hot and/or there is a strong wind. Water well enough that the excess water will drip out of the drain hole. Never allow the soil to remain continually wet.
How long do petunias last in pots?
To tackle the first part of the question, petunias can live for 2 or 3 years but generally behave as annuals because they can't survive the freezing temperatures of the winter.
What is the best time of day to water petunias?
Any time the soil is dry is the best time to water Petunias. Watering the plants early in the morning can help sustain the plants through the early afternoon, typically the warmest and sunniest part of the day. During the winter, Petunias go dormant and will need less water.
Cultural Causes of Yellow Leaves on Petunia
Petunias need plenty of water but they don’t like their petals and leaves to remain wet. This can cause them to wilt and occasionally discolor. Wat...
Nutrient Deficiencies Causing Petunias With Yellow Leaves
Young petunias need plenty of nitrogen to force green leaf and shoot development. When grown in nitrogen poor soil, older leaves will turn greenish...
Leaves on Petunias Turning Yellow Due to Disease
The most probable cause of petunias with yellow leaves is tobacco mosaic virus. Here is where the indicating word “mosaic” can help identify the di...
Why is my petunia turning yellow?
Petunias often turn yellow due to planting problems, not enough sun, poorly drained soil or lack of fertilizer. Tobacco mosaic virus can also cause yellowing on the foliage.
Why do petunias have pink leaves?
It usually indicates a problem with the way you are caring for the plants, from nutrient deficiencies to too little sun. You plant petunias to brighten up your garden with their deep-purple or pink showy blossoms and brilliant green leaves.
How to protect petunias from tobacco?
Protect petunias and keep all tobacco products out of the garden. If you use any kind of tobacco, scrub your hands before working in the garden. From Alaska to California, from France's Basque Country to Mexico's Pacific Coast, Teo Spengler has dug the soil, planted seeds and helped trees, flowers and veggies thrive.
How much sun do petunias need?
Petunias don't ask for much in exchange for making your garden lovely. They require full, direct sun, at least six hours a day, and light, well-draining soil. If you get significant wind in your area, pick a planting site with some shelter.
What is the yellow flower that turns yellow in spring?
If you're only inviting one plant into your flower garden beds this spring, it's likely to be a petunia. Petunias ( Petunia spp .) are easy-care flowering beauties, but they can sometimes encourage problems, such as petunias turning yellow. While these flowers are usually grown as annuals and discarded at the end of the season, ...
Is smoking a petunia bad for you?
Smoking or using tobacco produces can be bad for you; this is no surprise. But did you know they can also be bad for petunias?#N#If someone using tobacco products touches your petunia plants, it can spread tobacco mosaic virus to them. This virus turns the foliage a mottled yellow and deforms the leaves as well as the blossoms. Protect petunias and keep all tobacco products out of the garden. If you use any kind of tobacco, scrub your hands before working in the garden.
Can you transplant petunias before planting?
Transplant the petunias at the same depth they were growing before transplant because deep planting can yellow the foliage. Advertisement. Be sure to check the roots before you plant because tightly wrapped petunia roots won't get sufficient nutrients. Untwist the roots before planting and prune them if necessary.
Why do petunias turn yellow?
So, If you are thinking about why do petunias go yellow, here’s a brief- the main reasons are nutrient deficiency, problematic soil, improper fertilization, watering problem, sunlight issues, transplant shock & pest attacks. Now, without further ado, let’s check out the details-
What causes yellow spots on petunia leaves?
Not all of them cause leaf yellowing. Mainly, insects that feed cell sap cause yellow spots on Petunia leaves. And common sap-sucking insects are aphids, spider mites, thrips, etc.
Why Do Green Leaves Turn Yellow?
Petunia leaves show different types of yellowing. For example, yellow leaves with dark green veins, yellow edges of leaves, irregular yellow patches on the leaves, etc. So, what is the primary cause for yellow leaves on Petunia?
How to save a waterlogged petunia?
All you have to do is get your Petunia out of the pot, dry the root ball by keeping it in the sun & wrapping it with papers to absorb water.
How much sunlight does a petunia need?
If your Petunia is not getting enough light, move it to a place where it will get 5-6 hours of direct sunlight. But during excessive heat, Petunias won’t mind a partial shade.
What to do if petunia is affected by viruses?
Once your Petunia is affected by viruses, probably the only thing to do is separating the plant from others & eliminate it. Sad, isn’t it?
What happens to petunia after transplant?
After transplanting, Petunia seems to show a lagging phase to adjust to the new environment. Sometimes it comes up with leaf yellowing. Though it is pretty much usual, a prolonged shock period is something worth worrying about.
Why are my petunias turning yellow?
There is also a possibility that disease either viral or fungal could be the culprit. It is also possible that pests such as aphids are the reason for the yellowing leaves on your petunias.
Why do petunias need to be fertilized?
Some of the more common reasons for a nutrient deficiency with petunias is that the roots are too compacted to get adequate nutrients and water to the plant or that they are not being fertilized often enough or with the right fertilizer.
How often should I fertilize petunias?
Petunias need to be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer every 2 to 3 weeks. I start fertilizing mine in early July and continue until the growing season is complete. Container grown petunias will do well with a time-release fertilizer but spreading ones can need to be fertilized more often.
What happens if you put a plant in a bunched pot?
If they are bunched together, the plant will not be able to feed itself properly, and consequently, the leaves will turn yellow and the plant could die.
Why do plants get fungal diseases?
Sometimes humidity or overcrowding can be the cause of fungal diseases. Always make sure there is room in between your plants for air to circulate.
How to treat aphids on a plant?
The best way to treat an aphid infestation is a mix of water and insecticidal soap. Spray it on when the sun is not on the plants and the temperature is below 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Do you shake petunias before planting?
When you plant petunias, it is a good idea to shake the roots loose before you plant them to ensure that they are not all bunched together. Sometimes they will be twisted tightly together.
Why are my petunias turning yellow?
A number of fungal diseases can cause petunias to turn yellow. Some common diseases, including crown, stem and root rot, also cause the plant to turn mushy. Others such as verticillium wilt cause yellowing before the leaves turn brown and drop from the plant. Fungal diseases are difficult to control, and badly infected plants should be removed and destroyed to prevent spread. If you catch the problem before it advances, prune out damaged plant parts and dispose of them in a covered container, and then rake up plant debris around the plant. Humid conditions are often responsible for fungal diseases. To prevent disease, water plants deeply to a depth of about 6 inches, and let the top 1 inch of soil dry before watering again. Water at the base of the plants to keep the foliage dry. Provide plenty of air circulation and don't crowd the plants. Be sure petunias are planted in well-drained soil, or in a container with a drainage hole in the bottom.
How to get rid of aphids on petunias?
Otherwise, spray petunias with insecticidal soap spray every four to seven days until the pests are eradicated. Use a commercial spray or mix regular liquid dish soap at a rate of 2 to 5 tablespoons in a gallon of water, depending on the severity of the infestation. Wet both sides of the leaves with the spray, but don't apply insecticidal soap when the temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit or when the sun is on the plant.
What zone do petunias grow in?
Petunias are usually grown as annuals, but they grow year-round in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 11, advises Missouri Botanical Garden.
Why are my sage leaves turning brown?
Some common diseases, including crown, stem and root rot, also cause the plant to turn mushy. Others such as verticillium wilt cause yellowing before the leaves turn brown and drop from the plant. Fungal diseases are difficult to control, and badly infected plants should be removed and destroyed to prevent spread.
How to control a virus in a flower bed?
Purchase quality, disease-resistant varieties. Keep the flower bed free of weeds , which may harbor viruses and pests that spread to ornamental plants.
Petunia leaves turning yellow: Common reasons
Chlorosis may occur in young petunia plants if they have an iron deficiency. This abnormal reduction or loss of normal green color leads to yellowing leaves, while the leaf veins remain green.
Petunia care
Petunia plants are fairly heat-tolerant so they do not have to be watered too frequently. A weekly, thorough watering should be sufficient unless there is a drought in your area. Do not water shallowly as it may encourage shallow roots.
Conclusion
Petunias are popular annual plants with bountiful flowers. However, they are also prone to certain conditions that cause yellowing leaves, which may include iron deficiency or pest infestation. It may also be brought about by fungal or viral diseases, such as the tobacco mosaic virus.
Why are my petunias yellow?
So check your yellow petunia leaves to see where the chlorosis is forming. If it’s new shoots and leaves, assume it’s iron. Petunias are quite susceptible to iron deficiency, ...
Why are my leaves turning yellow?
There are many reasons why leaves may turn yellow, from overwatering, over fertilisation and lack of sunlight to more complex issues such as the growing medium blocking the uptake of iron. Leaves may also turn yellow in different ways; for example; yellow veins within green leaves are often a sign of nitrogen deficiency.
Who created yellowing leaves?
This guide to yellowing leaves was created by Hannah Miller and was posted to our blog on the 1st of April 2021. Hannah is a keen amateur gardener, mother and a former NHS administrator. She enjoys gardening as much as she cares about the environment and likes to share her knowledge with others.
Why are my petunia leaves yellow?
Yellow leaves are a symptom of root rot, not enough sun or a lack of nutrients. To prevent petunias from dying it is important to get the balance of watering and soil moisture right to avoid root rot or drought stress.
Why do petunias turn white?
The reason petunias turn white is because of mold or powdery mildew which is caused by high humidity, watering late at night, rather then morning and a lack of air circulation.
What type of soil do petunias need?
Petunias require aerated compost with a porous structure that allows the roots to grow down and access water deeper in the soil which helps them to tolerate drought.
Why are my petunias dying?
Dying and wilting petunias are usually because of fungal diseases such as root rot, caused by excess moisture around the roots. Petunias require a thorough watering once a week and do not tolerate boggy soil from overwatering which causes petunias leaves and flowers to wilt, and results in dying petunias.
How to revive a petunia?
How to Revive Wilting Petunias. Plant your petunias in a pot that is at least 12 inches across with the same proportional depth if you live in a hot climate. You can often get away with planting petunias in much smaller pots in cooler climates with higher levels of rainfall and more overcast days.
Why do petunias have white leaves?
If you water too late at night then the petunia has to sit in damp and humid conditions for longer encourages powdery mildew which has a white appearance on the leaves.
How to keep petunias from getting boggy?
Place your potted petunia on little feet or stands so that the pot is elevated an inch off the ground. If the pot is on the ground then water may drain from the base of the pot but it can be trapped underneath the pot and cause boggy soil conditions. Elevating the pot allows excess water to drain freely from the base of the pot and prevents the soil from being saturated.

Why Are My Petunias Turning Yellow?
Nutrient Deficiency
- Petunias are a heavy blooming plant and as such need to be fertilized and fed regularly. Some of the more common reasons for a nutrient deficiency with petunias is that the roots are too compacted to get adequate nutrients and water to the plant or that they are not being fertilized often enough or with the right fertilizer. When you plant petunias, it is a good idea to shake the r…
Improper Watering
- Petunias need a fair bit of water however they do not like their leaves or petals to sit in water. The soil should be moist but not wet all the time. It is best to use a soaker hose before the sun comes up on them to prevent the water from burning the plant in the sun and to prevent the plant itself from getting wet. If a soaker hose isn’t an option, water close to the soil, being careful not to get …
Inadequate Sunlight Or Heat
- Petunias need bright sunlight and warm weather to grow at their best. If there is not enough sun or the weather is too cool, they could turn yellow and wilt.
Diseases
- Fungal diseasesare one type of disease that can cause petunias to turn yellow and ultimately die. Petunias can get fungal infections from overwatering which can cause root and stem rot. Verticillium wilt is another type of fungal infection that causes petunias to yellow. If you have a few plants that have a fungal disease, you have to remove them from the rest of the plants other…
Pests
- Aphidscan spread Tobacco Mosaic Virusfrom plant to plant but can also wreak havoc from feeding on the plant. They will turn the leaves yellow and cause their growth to be stunted. The best way to treat an aphid infestation is a mix of water and insecticidal soap. Spray it on when the sun is not on the plants and the temperature is below 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Conclusion
- Petunias are a pretty and easy to manage addition to any garden or container garden. They come in a variety of colors to match pretty much any color scheme. The biggest issue with caring for them is yellowing leaves but following this guideline will prevent a lot of the common reasons for this which will keep your garden bright and vibrant all season long.