Can I save a plant with downy mildew?

You can slow it down by removing infected parts, but it is difficult to cure once established. Focus on keeping new growth dry.

Does yellowing mean I need fertilizer?

Usually not, unless the plant is very pale overall. Check for moisture and disease issues first.

Wild mustard: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the underside of the yellow leaves for fuzzy growth.
Stick your finger one inch into the soil to check for dampness.
Ensure the plant is getting at least six hours of direct sunlight.

Likely causes

Downy mildew
Most likely
How to tell: You will see yellow patches on the leaves during cool and damp weather. Look for a fuzzy growth on the undersides of the foliage.
What to do: Remove the infected leaves immediately to stop the spread. Improve air circulation around the plants and avoid overhead watering to keep foliage dry.
Overwatering
Possible
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and the soil feels constantly soggy or swampy. The plant may look limp despite the wet soil.
What to do: Let the top inch of soil dry out completely before watering again. Ensure your planting site has excellent drainage.

Yellow 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

Worry if the yellowing spreads rapidly across the entire plant. A few lower leaves turning yellow as the plant matures is normal.

Stopping it coming back

Space your plants out to allow for good airflow and always water at the base of the plant rather than over the leaves.

Wild mustard: yellow 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.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Can I save a plant with downy mildew?: You can slow it down by removing infected parts, but it is difficult to cure once established. Focus on keeping new growth dry.
Does yellowing mean I need fertilizer?: Usually not, unless the plant is very pale overall. Check for moisture and disease issues first.

Guides to these causes

Downy Mildew

Why are my wild mustard leaves turning yellow?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your wild mustard?