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Chives · Allium schoenoprasum

Why are my chives turning yellow?

Yellowing leaves on chives often point to too much water or a lack of nutrients. Check the soil drainage first to ensure the roots are not sitting in water.

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yellow leaves on a plant
Photo: Trio3D, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Check if the soil is soggy or waterlogged.
  2. Smell the soil for a sour or rotten odor.
  3. Check the base of the plant for signs of yellowing.

Likely causes

  1. Overwatering

    Most likely

    How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and feel soft or mushy. The soil stays wet for days after watering.

    What to do: Let the soil dry out significantly before watering again. Ensure the pot has drainage holes and never leave it sitting in a saucer of water.

  2. Nitrogen deficiency

    Possible

    How to tell: The entire plant looks pale or yellowish, starting with the older leaves. Growth is stunted.

    What to do: Apply a balanced, water soluble fertilizer at half strength. Repeat every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your chives

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.

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When to worry

A few yellow leaves at the base are normal as the plant cycles through old growth. Worry if the yellowing is widespread or the stems are turning mushy.

Stopping it coming back

Water only when the top inch of soil is dry and use a well draining potting mix.

Chives: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your chives 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.

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Questions people ask

Is it safe to eat yellow chives?
It is better to discard them. They will not taste good and may be a sign of poor plant health.
How often should I water my chives?
There is no set schedule. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

More problems with Chives

Back to the Chives guide

This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.