Will curled leaves straighten out again?

If the cause is heat stress, they often recover once the temperature drops in the evening. If the curling was caused by aphid damage, the affected leaves will likely stay distorted.

Do I need to remove the curled leaves?

You do not need to remove them unless they are heavily infested with aphids or showing signs of disease. Healthy leaves that are just slightly curled can still perform photosynthesis for the plant.

Why are my garden pea leaves curling? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of the curled leaves for tiny clusters of aphids.
Touch the soil to see if it feels dry or hot to the touch.
Observe if the curling happens only during the peak heat of the afternoon.

Likely causes

Aphid infestation
Most likely
How to tell: You will see small green or pink insects clustering on the undersides of leaves and on tender new growth. The leaves often curl or distort as these pests suck out the plant juices.
What to do: Spray the affected areas with a strong stream of water to knock the aphids off. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5 to 7 days until the population disappears.
Heat stress
Possible
How to tell: The leaves curl inward during the hottest part of the day when the plant cannot take up water fast enough to match evaporation. The leaves usually look healthy but wilted or curled until the sun goes down.
What to do: Provide a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plants to keep the soil cool. Ensure you are watering every 2 to 4 days so the soil stays consistently moist.

Find out what's wrong with your pea

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

Worry if the leaves remain curled even at night or if you see significant yellowing and stunted growth. It is normal for leaves to curl slightly during extreme heat waves as a protective measure.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your peas well watered and monitor the new growth weekly for early signs of aphids. Planting peas in early spring helps them mature before the hottest summer weather arrives.

Keep your pea healthy from here

Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.

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Questions people ask

Will curled leaves straighten out again?: If the cause is heat stress, they often recover once the temperature drops in the evening. If the curling was caused by aphid damage, the affected leaves will likely stay distorted.
Do I need to remove the curled leaves?: You do not need to remove them unless they are heavily infested with aphids or showing signs of disease. Healthy leaves that are just slightly curled can still perform photosynthesis for the plant.

Why are my garden pea leaves curling?