Do curling leaves mean I am overwatering?

Usually, curling is a sign of heat stress or pests rather than overwatering. Overwatering more often leads to yellowing or mushy stems.

Are flea beetles harmful to the whole plant?

A few holes are fine, but a heavy infestation can stunt the plant and prevent it from flowering. Treat them early to keep your mustard healthy.

Why are my wild mustard leaves curling? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of the leaves for small holes or tiny jumping beetles.
Feel the soil to see if it has dried out too much.
Check the temperature to see if the plant is experiencing a heat wave.

Likely causes

Flea beetles
Most likely
How to tell: You will see tiny, round holes in the leaves and the foliage may curl as it reacts to the damage. Look for small, dark beetles that jump when you touch the plant.
What to do: Spray the leaves with neem oil or insecticidal soap once a week until the beetles are gone. You can also cover the plants with floating row covers to keep the beetles away.
Heat stress
Possible
How to tell: The leaves curl inward during the hottest part of the day to conserve moisture. The edges may look slightly crispy or dry.
What to do: Water the plant deeply every 3 to 7 days, ensuring the top inch of soil dries out slightly between sessions. Provide a bit of afternoon shade if temperatures stay above 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

Curling leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your wild mustard

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

If the curling is accompanied by yellowing or widespread holes, the plant is under heavy attack. It is normal for leaves to curl slightly during the hottest part of a summer afternoon.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the soil evenly moist and monitor the leaves weekly for the first signs of flea beetle damage.

Wild mustard: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your wild mustard 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.

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Questions people ask

Do curling leaves mean I am overwatering?: Usually, curling is a sign of heat stress or pests rather than overwatering. Overwatering more often leads to yellowing or mushy stems.
Are flea beetles harmful to the whole plant?: A few holes are fine, but a heavy infestation can stunt the plant and prevent it from flowering. Treat them early to keep your mustard healthy.

Guides to these causes

Flea Beetles

Why are my wild mustard leaves curling?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your wild mustard?