Pepper seedlings: why do they wither and start to turn yellow

Growing pepper seedlings requires attention and care.

Even experienced gardeners sometimes face the problem of wilting and yellowing of young plants.

To save the seedlings, it is necessary to promptly determine the cause of the disease and take measures to eliminate it, says Anastasia Kovrizhnykh .

Lack of light: pale and elongated

Pepper is a light-loving crop. Insufficient light leads to the seedlings stretching, the stems become thin and weak, the leaves turn pale and yellow.

To correct the situation, it is necessary to provide the seedlings with sufficient light. On cloudy days, it is recommended to use additional artificial lighting.

Violation of temperature conditions: cold and drafts

Pepper is a heat-loving plant. Low temperatures and drafts can cause seedlings to wither and turn yellow.

The optimum temperature for growing peppers is 22-25 degrees during the day and 18-20 degrees at night. It is important to protect seedlings from cold air and sudden temperature changes.

Incorrect watering: drought and overwatering

Pepper is sensitive to watering. Both lack of moisture and its excess can lead to problems. With insufficient watering, seedlings wither, leaves become limp and yellow.

Over-watering of the soil leads to root rot, which also manifests itself in yellowing and wilting of the leaves. It is important to maintain a moderate watering regime, focusing on the condition of the soil.

Nutrient Deficiencies: Starvation and Weakness

Pepper seedlings need nutrients for full growth and development. Nitrogen deficiency is manifested in yellowing and falling of lower leaves.

Phosphorus deficiency causes growth retardation and purple tint of leaves. Potassium deficiency causes yellowing of leaf edges and their curling. It is important to feed seedlings with complex fertilizers in a timely manner.

Diseases and pests: a threat from outside

Pepper seedlings are susceptible to various diseases and pests. Black leg, fusarium, late blight are the most common diseases of pepper seedlings. They manifest themselves in yellowing, wilting and death of plants.

Aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies are dangerous pests that feed on plant sap, causing them to weaken and turn yellow.

It is important to regularly inspect seedlings and, if signs of disease or pests are detected, take measures to destroy them.

Earlier we talked about how to get a good garlic harvest .