Should I cut off the yellow leaves?

Yes, removing yellow leaves helps the plant focus its energy on healthy growth. Use clean scissors to snip them off at the base.

Can I save a plant that has yellow leaves?

If the roots are still healthy, you can often save the plant by adjusting your watering or adding nutrients. If the stem is mushy, the plant may be too far gone.

Why are my kale leaves turning yellow? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Stick your finger into the soil to check for dampness.
Look at the base of the plant to see if the soil is waterlogged.
Check if the yellowing is happening mostly on the older, bottom leaves.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The lower leaves turn yellow and feel soft or mushy. The soil stays wet for days after watering.
What to do: Let the top inch of soil dry out before watering again. Ensure your garden bed or container has excellent drainage.
Nitrogen deficiency
Possible
How to tell: Older leaves turn uniformly pale yellow, starting at the bottom of the plant. The plant growth will be slow and stunted.
What to do: Apply a balanced organic fertilizer or blood meal to the soil. Follow the package instructions for application rates to avoid burning the roots.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your kale

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

It is normal for the very bottom leaves to yellow and drop as the plant matures. Worry if the yellowing spreads rapidly to the newer, top leaves.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain consistent soil moisture and feed your kale with compost or organic fertilizer at planting time. Avoid letting the soil sit in standing water.

Kale: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your kale 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 the yellow leaves?: Yes, removing yellow leaves helps the plant focus its energy on healthy growth. Use clean scissors to snip them off at the base.
Can I save a plant that has yellow leaves?: If the roots are still healthy, you can often save the plant by adjusting your watering or adding nutrients. If the stem is mushy, the plant may be too far gone.

Why are my kale leaves turning yellow?