Can I eat strawberries from a plant with spots?

Yes, as long as the fruit itself looks healthy and clean. Wash it well before eating.

Is this contagious to my other plants?

Yes, fungal spores can spread through the air or water splashes. Isolate the affected plant if possible.

Strawberry: spots, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check if the leaves are crowded and touching.
Examine the spots to see if they are fuzzy or dusty.
Ensure the plant is in a spot with good sunlight.

Likely causes

Powdery Mildew
Most likely
How to tell: A white, dusty coating appears on the leaves, which may eventually cause them to curl or turn brown. It happens when air circulation is poor.
What to do: Prune away infected leaves to improve airflow. Spray the foliage with a mixture of one part milk to nine parts water or a fungicide.
Leaf Spot Disease
Possible
How to tell: Small purple or reddish spots appear on the leaves, often with a white or gray center. These spots can grow and merge over time.
What to do: Remove and dispose of all infected leaves immediately. Avoid overhead watering to keep the foliage dry.

Leaf spots on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your strawberry

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

Minor spotting is common in late summer. Worry if the spots cover most of the leaf surface or start appearing on the fruit.

Stopping it coming back

Water at the base of the plant to keep leaves dry and provide plenty of space between plants.

Strawberry: spots? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your strawberry 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 strawberries from a plant with spots?: Yes, as long as the fruit itself looks healthy and clean. Wash it well before eating.
Is this contagious to my other plants?: Yes, fungal spores can spread through the air or water splashes. Isolate the affected plant if possible.

Why are there spots on my garden strawberry leaves?

Check these first

Likely causes

Powdery Mildew

Leaf Spot Disease

Find out what's wrong with your strawberry

When to worry

Stopping it coming back

Strawberry: spots? Check yours with a photo

Questions people ask

Guides to these causes

More problems with Strawberry