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Hedge mustard · Sisymbrium officinale

Why are my hedge mustard leaves curling?

It is less common for hedge mustard to have curling leaves, as this usually happens due to pest activity or fungal issues. Check the undersides of the leaves for small insects or fuzzy patches to identify the culprit.

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curling leaves on a plant
Photo: Freshclover, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Inspect the undersides of the leaves for tiny bugs.
  2. Look for yellow or fuzzy patches on the leaf surface.
  3. Check if the curling is happening mostly on new growth.

Likely causes

  1. Aphid infestation

    Possible

    How to tell: You see clusters of tiny green or black insects on the new growth and the leaves look distorted.

    What to do: Spray the leaves with a gentle stream of water to knock the aphids off. Use insecticidal soap once a week if the infestation persists.

  2. Downy mildew

    Possible

    How to tell: Yellow patches appear on the leaves and the foliage begins to curl or twist in humid conditions.

    What to do: Increase air circulation around the plant by spacing it further from others. Avoid getting water on the leaves when you irrigate to keep the foliage dry.

Curling leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your hedge 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.

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When to worry

If the curling is accompanied by stunted growth or sticky residue, you need to treat the pests immediately. It is normal for leaves to curl slightly when the plant is reacting to a sudden change in light or temperature.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the leaves dry and monitor the plant weekly for any signs of insects.

Hedge mustard: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your hedge 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

Are aphids harmful?
Yes, aphids suck the sap from the plant and can cause the leaves to curl and weaken. They should be removed as soon as you spot them.
Does this plant need flowers to be healthy?
The plant does not need flowers to be healthy, but it will bloom in full sun. If it is not flowering, ensure it is getting at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Hedge mustard

Back to the Hedge mustard guide

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