Should I remove yellow leaves?

Yes, you can snip off yellow leaves to keep the plant tidy and improve airflow. This helps prevent fungal issues from starting on decaying tissue.

Can yellow leaves turn green again?

Usually no. Once a leaf has turned fully yellow, it will not recover, so focus on keeping the remaining green leaves healthy.

Pea: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the soil moisture level two inches deep.
Check for signs of standing water in the garden bed.
Look at the undersides of leaves for any insect activity.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The lower leaves turn yellow and the soil feels constantly soggy or muddy. Roots may start to smell sour.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 2 inches of soil dry out. Ensure your garden bed has good drainage to prevent water from pooling around the roots.
Nitrogen deficiency
Possible
How to tell: Older leaves turn a pale yellow while the veins remain green. The plant growth will also look stunted.
What to do: Apply a balanced organic fertilizer or compost tea to the base of the plants. Follow the package instructions for application rates to avoid burning the roots.

Yellow leaves on other plants

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

It is normal for the very bottom leaves to yellow as the plant matures and focuses energy on pods. Worry if the yellowing spreads rapidly to the upper foliage.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain consistent soil moisture and use well draining soil to keep roots happy.

Pea: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your pea 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 remove yellow leaves?: Yes, you can snip off yellow leaves to keep the plant tidy and improve airflow. This helps prevent fungal issues from starting on decaying tissue.
Can yellow leaves turn green again?: Usually no. Once a leaf has turned fully yellow, it will not recover, so focus on keeping the remaining green leaves healthy.

Why are my garden pea leaves turning yellow?