Does my grapevine need more sun if the leaves are yellow?

Grapevines need full sun to stay healthy. If your vine is in the shade, it will likely become weak and yellow, so consider moving it or pruning back nearby trees.

Can I just add more fertilizer to fix the yellowing?

Only add fertilizer if you know your soil is deficient. Too much fertilizer can actually burn the roots and cause more yellowing.

Why are my grapevine leaves turning yellow? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the soil to see if it is soggy or bone dry.
Check if the yellowing is between the veins or across the whole leaf.
Look for signs of poor drainage around the base.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and may feel soft or limp. The soil stays wet for a long time after watering.
What to do: Let the soil dry out until the top 2 to 3 inches are dry before watering again. Ensure your planting site has excellent drainage.
Nutrient Deficiency
Possible
How to tell: Yellowing between the leaf veins while the veins themselves stay green often indicates a lack of iron or magnesium. This usually happens in high pH soil.
What to do: Test your soil pH and adjust it if necessary. Apply a balanced fertilizer designed for fruit vines during the early spring.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your grape

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 normal for the oldest leaves at the base of the vine to yellow and drop in late autumn. Worry only if the new growth at the tips is turning yellow.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a consistent watering schedule and test your soil every 2 to 3 years to ensure the vine has the nutrients it needs.

Grape: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

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

Does my grapevine need more sun if the leaves are yellow?: Grapevines need full sun to stay healthy. If your vine is in the shade, it will likely become weak and yellow, so consider moving it or pruning back nearby trees.
Can I just add more fertilizer to fix the yellowing?: Only add fertilizer if you know your soil is deficient. Too much fertilizer can actually burn the roots and cause more yellowing.

Why are my grapevine leaves turning yellow?