Can I use regular fertilizer?

No, you must use an acid loving plant fertilizer. Regular fertilizers often contain lime which will raise the pH and hurt your blueberries.

Will the yellow leaves turn green again?

Usually no. Once a leaf is severely yellowed, it will likely drop, but new growth should emerge green if you correct the soil pH.

Blueberry: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Test your soil pH with a home kit.
Check if you have been using tap water with high lime content.
Inspect the soil for proper drainage.

Likely causes

High Soil pH
Most likely
How to tell: The veins of the leaves stay green while the rest of the leaf turns yellow. This is called interveinal chlorosis.
What to do: Apply elemental sulfur to lower the pH. Follow the package instructions based on your soil test results, usually applying 0.5 to 1 pound per 100 square feet.
Iron Deficiency
Possible
How to tell: New growth appears pale or yellow while older leaves remain green. This happens when the plant cannot access iron in the soil.
What to do: Use a chelated iron spray on the foliage for a quick fix. Long term, you must lower the soil pH so the roots can absorb iron naturally.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your blueberry

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 serious if the whole bush turns yellow and stops growing. A few yellow leaves at the very bottom of the plant are normal as they age.

Stopping it coming back

Mulch with pine needles or acidic compost to keep the soil pH low over time.

Blueberry: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your blueberry 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 use regular fertilizer?: No, you must use an acid loving plant fertilizer. Regular fertilizers often contain lime which will raise the pH and hurt your blueberries.
Will the yellow leaves turn green again?: Usually no. Once a leaf is severely yellowed, it will likely drop, but new growth should emerge green if you correct the soil pH.

Guides to these causes

Chlorosis

Why are my highbush blueberry leaves turning yellow?