Should I cut off the yellow leaves?

Yes, removing yellow leaves helps the plant focus its energy on healthy growth and fruit production.

Can yellow leaves recover?

Usually no. Once a leaf turns fully yellow, it will not turn green again, so it is best to prune it away.

Strawberry: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the soil to see if it is waterlogged.
Check the drainage holes for blockages.
Inspect the undersides of leaves for tiny pests.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and feel soft or mushy to the touch. The soil stays soggy for days.
What to do: Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again. Ensure your containers have drainage holes to let excess water escape.
Iron Deficiency
Possible
How to tell: The veins of the leaves remain green while the rest of the leaf turns yellow. This often happens in soil with a high pH.
What to do: Apply a chelated iron supplement according to the package directions. You can also add organic matter like compost to balance the soil pH.

Yellow leaves 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

It is normal for the oldest, lowest leaves to yellow and die off as the plant grows. Worry if the yellowing spreads rapidly to new growth.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain consistent moisture without letting the roots sit in standing water.

Strawberry: yellow leaves? 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

Should I cut off the yellow leaves?: Yes, removing yellow leaves helps the plant focus its energy on healthy growth and fruit production.
Can yellow leaves recover?: Usually no. Once a leaf turns fully yellow, it will not turn green again, so it is best to prune it away.

Guides to these causes

Chlorosis

Why are my garden strawberry leaves turning yellow?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your strawberry?