Find more growing tips & recipes: Read all Blog Posts »

Yellow Leaves on Pepper Plants

Yellow Leaves on Pepper Plants

How to Fix Yellow Leaves on Pepper Plants:

If you start peppers from seed, you probably have encountered peppers with yellow leaves at some point. We find that yellowing leaves is most often caused by overwatering.

Peppers hate wet feet, and will start to yellow if their roots are too wet all the time.

Yellowing leaves could also be an indication that the plants could also need nutrients. It's important to use quality well-draining potting soil mix if grown in containers. If you are growing pepper in the ground, we highly recommend mixing in homemade compost into garden beds to provide long-term nutrients. We also find that Seaweed or Kelp fertilizers help naturally improve nutrients in the soil. Peppers are light feeders, but will benefit from a regular feeding of a well-balanced, organic fertilizer or compost tea. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers. They create lush foliage, but you won't get a lot of peppers.
Read more about How to Fertilize Hatch Chile Plants

It is most important to let the soil dry out slightly between waterings. Peppers don't mind if they get a little dry, if they get too dry, they will wilt and tell you when it's time for a drink. But don't forget, they'll also wilt and get yellow leaves if you OVERWATER so just because a plant looks wilted and is yellowing, don't assume it needs water – feel the soil first to see if it is dry and only water when needed.

Yellow Leaves on Pepper Plants - here's how to fix them!


Yellow leaves COULD be caused by under-watering, but we find that overwatering is usually the culprit! Make sure to use good well-draining soil with lots of organic matter like compost, and make sure to let the soil dry out between waterings. We also like to mulch our peppers with grass clippings to further add nutrients to the soil over time, and keep the soil more consistently moist. 


😆 If your pepper seedlings' leaves are turning yellow, it could be overwatering... amongst other things. Don't fret and follow our advice, don't overwater, underwater or underfeed or overfeed your pepper plants. Make sure they get the right amount of light and keep them warm!

  😆 If your pepper seedlings' leaves are turning yellow, it could be overwatering... amongst other things. Don't fret and follow our advice, don't overwater, underwater or underfeed or overfeed your pepper plants. Make sure they get the right amount of light and keep them warm! 


Learn more about How to Grow Peppers »
Back to blog
  • Valentine's Day Gift Cards for the Gardener in your life!

    Valentine's Day Gift Cards for the Gardener in ...

    Gift Cards for seeds make the perfect last-minute but thoughtful Valentine's Day gifts. Give a gift to grow together! Sandia Seed's gift cards are a spicy addition to any Valentine's...

    Valentine's Day Gift Cards for the Gardener in ...

    Gift Cards for seeds make the perfect last-minute but thoughtful Valentine's Day gifts. Give a gift to grow together! Sandia Seed's gift cards are a spicy addition to any Valentine's...

  • Top 5 Peppers to Grow in 2025

    Top 5 Peppers to Grow in 2025

    Here's our Top 5 Peppers to Grow in 2025 Make 2025 great with some super tasty (and spicy) new peppers that are sure to boost those endorphins and delight your...

    Top 5 Peppers to Grow in 2025

    Here's our Top 5 Peppers to Grow in 2025 Make 2025 great with some super tasty (and spicy) new peppers that are sure to boost those endorphins and delight your...

  • New Seeds for 2025

    NEW SEEDS FOR 2025

    WE HAVE NEW SEEDS ARRIVING! We are excited to announce the addition of new seeds to our mid-season lineup.New seeds now available: Gypsy Sweet Pepper This super fast growing sweet pepper has a...

    NEW SEEDS FOR 2025

    WE HAVE NEW SEEDS ARRIVING! We are excited to announce the addition of new seeds to our mid-season lineup.New seeds now available: Gypsy Sweet Pepper This super fast growing sweet pepper has a...

1 of 3
Fastest Growing Peppers

Fastest Growing Peppers

These are the fastest growing peppers that you can grow from seeds... 

Discount Seeds: 50% Off Seeds + Free Shipping on US Orders over $30

50% OFF SEEDS

Check out our 50% off Seed Discount deals below.  These seeds rotate... 

Best Peppers for Containers

Best Peppers for Containers

If you want to grow peppers in containers, below are our top favorite...