Parsley is one of the most popular herbs known for its aroma. It can be grown in small pots on the window sills for easy access when needed for cooking. It is an easy-to-grow biennial herb with lush green leaves. The problem arises when the lush green leaves turn yellow. There are many reasons parsley leaves turn yellow, as we discuss in this article.
Reasons for Parsley Leaves Turning Yellow
When parsley leaves turn yellow, it indicates a nutrient deficiency, a pest infestation, or another problem. Here is the list of the reasons in detail:
Irregular Watering
Irregular watering, especially during high heat, can cause yellow leaves. When parsley is planted in the garden, it requires less water, but when grown in a pot or balcony planter, it needs frequent watering.
| Some Tips | Install mulch on the ground to maintain humidity. |
Poor Drainage
Parsley requires bi-weekly watering, so it is important to monitor its drainage. This is because excess water can drown the roots, leading to the yellow leaves.
| Some Tips | Arrange proper drainage when sowing. The best way is to place a layer of clay balls at the bottom of the pot, then add potting soil on top. This ensures that roots don't drown. |
Exposure to Extreme Heat
A mature parsley plant can bear high summer heat, but a young plant can't tolerate high heat, and when exposed to high heat, the leaves turn yellow and dry.
| Some Tips | Make sure parsley is placed where it receives partial shade during extreme summer. Also, during the hot weather, water parsley in the morning or in the evening. This is because when water is exposed to the sun, it may evaporate without providing moisture. |
Limited Space for Roots to Grow
If there's less space for roots to grow, root growth is hampered, leading to yellow leaves.
| Some Tips | Make sure the pot has enough space for the roots to spread. If the pot is small, transplant it to a large pot or planter. |
Poor Quality of Soil
Parsley needs rich soil to thrive, but when the soil is poor, it fails to draw essential nutrients from the roots, which can turn the leaves green or yellow.
| Some Tips | Plant parsley in fresh soil. Also, prune parsley for better growth. Cut it in half all year round to get thick and green foliage. |
Pest Infestation
Pests like aphids attack the roots of the plant and draw all the nutrients needed by the roots for robust growth. It results in yellow leaves or even red or purple leaves.
Fly Psila Rosae
This pest is harmful to parsley and carrots. They lay eggs in the roots, and their larvae feed on them. As a result, roots fail to draw nutrients from the soil, leading to yellow leaves.
| Some Tips | There are different ways to prevent infestation of fly psila rosae, such as the use of an insect net or growing herbs like chives, lavender, white onions, and leeks, which have a repellent effect. |
Transplanting
Transplant shock is one of the reasons for parsley leaves to turn yellow. Parsley's long tap roots are very delicate, and even a slight disturbance during transplanting can cause leaf yellowing. However, after a few weeks, plants start producing green leaves if properly cared for.
| Some Tips | When selecting a plant from the garden center, make sure the roots don't come out the bottom. If it does, don't get such a plant for transplant, as it may die from shock. Also, gently remove the parsley from its current location to ensure roots are not disturbed. |
Dense Potting Mix or Soil
If the potting mix or soil in the container is dense, the roots of parsley may struggle to draw the nutrients the leaves need, and they may not grow properly. All this leads to leaf shedding and yellowing.
| Some Tips | The best way to reduce soil density is to add shredded dry leaves or well-aged compost. |
Know More About Yellow Parsley Leaves and Their Remedies
Along with the other reasons discussed above, yellow leaves on parsley indicate a molybdenum or magnesium deficiency. Improper location is responsible for magnesium deficiency, which becomes evident at the beginning of the year. If leaf veins remain green while the leaves turn yellow, it indicates highly acidic soil. To improve the soil structure, apply lime. The best thing is that the yellow leaves remain edible.
Conclusion
Parsley is an aromatic herb used in many homes to add flavour to the food. However, it's important to be cautious about certain factors that affect leaf color. There are various reasons for yellow parsley leaves, so ensure you address all of them.
