Can I eat leaves with yellow spots?

It is best to discard any leaves showing signs of mildew. Stick to harvesting the healthy, vibrant green leaves.

Does yellowing mean I need fertilizer?

Usually not. If the plant is in decent soil, yellowing is almost always related to water or fungus rather than a nutrient deficiency.

Lambs quarters: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of yellow leaves for fuzzy growth.
Check the soil moisture level with your finger.
Look for signs of poor drainage around the base of the plant.

Likely causes

Downy mildew
Most likely
How to tell: You will see yellow patches on the upper leaf surface during humid weather. Look for a gray or white fuzzy mold on the underside of these spots.
What to do: Remove the affected leaves immediately to stop the spread. Improve air circulation around the plant by thinning out dense foliage and avoid overhead watering.
Overwatering
Possible
How to tell: The lower leaves turn yellow and feel soft or mushy. The soil stays wet for more than 7 days.
What to do: Let the top inch of soil dry out before watering again. Ensure your container or garden bed has excellent drainage to prevent water from pooling.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your lambs quarters

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

If the yellowing spreads rapidly across the whole plant, it is likely a fungal infection. A few yellow leaves at the very bottom are usually just normal aging.

Stopping it coming back

Space your plants well to allow for good airflow and always water at the base to keep leaves dry.

Lambs quarters: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your lambs quarters 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

Can I eat leaves with yellow spots?: It is best to discard any leaves showing signs of mildew. Stick to harvesting the healthy, vibrant green leaves.
Does yellowing mean I need fertilizer?: Usually not. If the plant is in decent soil, yellowing is almost always related to water or fungus rather than a nutrient deficiency.

Guides to these causes

Downy Mildew

Why are my Lambs quarters leaves turning yellow?