Does this affect the fruit?

Minor tip browning usually does not affect the fruit. However, severe stress can cause the plant to drop flowers.

Should I cut off the brown tips?

You can trim them with clean scissors if you want the plant to look neater. It will not hurt the plant.

Winter Squash: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check the soil moisture level with your finger.
Recall if you recently applied fertilizer.
Examine the rest of the leaf for other spots or discoloration.

Likely causes

Inconsistent Watering
Possible
How to tell: The edges and tips of the leaves turn dry and crispy because the plant cannot keep up with transpiration needs.
What to do: Water deeply every 2 to 4 days to keep the soil moisture steady. Apply a layer of mulch around the base to help the soil retain water.
Fertilizer Burn
Possible
How to tell: Tips turn brown and brittle shortly after you have applied a high concentration of synthetic fertilizer.
What to do: Flush the soil with plenty of water to wash away excess salts. Avoid fertilizing for 2 to 3 weeks until the plant shows signs of new growth.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your winter squash

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 browning spreads rapidly toward the center of the leaf, it is a sign of severe stress. A little browning on the oldest leaves at the end of the season is normal.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a regular watering routine and use balanced, organic fertilizer sparingly.

Winter Squash: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your winter squash 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

Does this affect the fruit?: Minor tip browning usually does not affect the fruit. However, severe stress can cause the plant to drop flowers.
Should I cut off the brown tips?: You can trim them with clean scissors if you want the plant to look neater. It will not hurt the plant.

Guides to these causes

Salt Stress

Why are my winter squash leaves getting brown tips?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your winter squash?