Should I cut off yellow leaves?

Wait until they are completely brown and dry. Cutting them too early prevents the bulb from storing the energy it needs for next year.

Does yellowing mean my bulb is dead?

Usually no. It is likely just the plant preparing for its summer rest period.

Giant Onion: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check if the flowers have already faded.
Feel the soil to see if it is soggy.
Inspect the base of the plant for soft spots.

Likely causes

Natural dormancy
Most likely
How to tell: The yellowing starts after the flowers fade and spreads from the tips downward.
What to do: Stop watering once the foliage turns yellow. Allow the leaves to die back completely before trimming them off to let the bulb store energy.
Overwatering
Possible
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and mushy while the soil remains consistently wet.
What to do: Reduce watering frequency to every 14 days. Ensure your soil has excellent drainage and never let the bulb sit in standing water.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your giant onion

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

Do not worry if this happens after flowering as it is part of the life cycle. Be concerned if the leaves yellow while the plant is still actively growing in early spring.

Stopping it coming back

Plant your bulbs in well draining soil and avoid watering once the foliage begins to fade.

Giant Onion: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your giant onion and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Should I cut off yellow leaves?: Wait until they are completely brown and dry. Cutting them too early prevents the bulb from storing the energy it needs for next year.
Does yellowing mean my bulb is dead?: Usually no. It is likely just the plant preparing for its summer rest period.

Why are my Giant Onion leaves turning yellow?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your giant onion?

Likely causes

Natural dormancy

Overwatering

Find out what's wrong with your giant onion

When to worry

Stopping it coming back

Giant Onion: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Questions people ask

More problems with Giant Onion