Chives are a popular vegetable to grow due to their adaptability, short growing cycle, and ease of management. However, the problem of chive leaves drying out is a common occurrence. Let's find out what's going on.
1. Soil acidification
Chives thrive in neutral soil. In acidic conditions, their growth is inhibited, and the leaves will show symptoms such as drying out and turning yellow.
2. Uncomfortable temperature
Chives exposed to temperatures above 35℃ for extended periods are likely to experience yellowing and withering at the leaf tips. Additionally, a sudden change from overcast to sunny weather, or a sudden intrusion of cold air after a period of high temperatures, can also cause the leaf tips to wilt.
3. Gas poisoning
Applying large amounts of ammonium bicarbonate or uncomposted farmyard manure will release a large amount of ammonia gas, which can poison chives and cause the leaf tips to dry out.
4. Deficiency of trace elements
For example, zinc deficiency can cause new leaves to turn yellow; magnesium deficiency can cause outer leaves to turn yellow or even die; and calcium deficiency can also cause new leaves to turn yellow, and sometimes even cause leaf tips to dry out.
5. Dehydration
Chive roots love water, and the relative humidity of the air should reach 60%-70%, and the soil moisture content should reach 80%-90%. If there is a lack of water, the chive leaves will become small, dull, yellow, and dry.
6. Gray mold
Caused by a fungus, it primarily affects leaves, flowers, and fruits. Symptoms begin at the leaf tips and gradually spread downwards, initially appearing as water-soaked patches, later turning grayish-white or yellowish-brown, eventually leading to leaf death.
7. Leek maggots
It mainly damages the roots and stems of chives. The larvae overwinter in the soil around the roots of chives, pupate in the spring and emerge as adults. The adults lay eggs on the leaves of chives, and the hatched larvae burrow into the plant to suck sap and nutrients, which weakens the growth of chives and causes the leaves to turn yellow and wither.
