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Redcurrant · Ribes rubrum

Why are my redcurrant leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing leaves on a redcurrant bush usually point to issues with water or soil nutrients. Check your watering schedule first to see if the soil is too wet or too dry.

yellow leaves on a plant
Photo: Trio3D, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Stick your finger into the soil to check for waterlogging.
  2. Look for signs of pests that might be draining the plant.
  3. Check if the yellowing is happening on old leaves or new growth.

Likely causes

  1. Overwatering

    Most likely

    How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and may feel soft or limp. The soil stays soggy and does not dry out between waterings.

    What to do: Stop watering until the top 2 inches of soil feel dry. Ensure your soil has good drainage and never let the plant sit in standing water.

  2. Nutrient deficiency

    Possible

    How to tell: The leaves turn yellow while the veins remain green, or the older leaves yellow first. This often happens if the soil is depleted.

    What to do: Apply a balanced organic fertilizer in early spring. Adding a layer of compost around the base can also help replenish soil nutrients.

When to worry

It is normal for the oldest leaves at the bottom of the plant to yellow and drop in late summer. Worry if the yellowing is rapid or affects the new growth.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a consistent watering schedule and feed your plant once a year in early spring.

Not sure which one it is? Photograph your redcurrant.

This page lists the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at your actual leaf and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

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Questions people ask

Can yellow leaves turn green again?
No, once a leaf has turned yellow, it will not turn green again. Focus on keeping the remaining leaves healthy.
How much should I water?
Aim to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Depending on your weather, this usually means watering every 5 to 10 days.

More problems with Redcurrant

Back to the Redcurrant guide

This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.