If your eggplant leaves are curling, it could be due to a plant virus, an insect infestation, or one of the most common mistakes made by gardeners everywhere: underwatering or overwatering.
How do I stop my leaves from curling?
In order to avoid curling leaves due to soil that is too soggy, always allow the top inch or two (approximately 2.5 to 5 cm.) of soil to dry out. Always use pots with drainage holes. Allow water to completely drain away after watering and never allow your potted plant to sit in water for extended periods of time.
Why are my eggplant leaves curling and turning yellow?
Yellowing of leaves is often caused by care problems like irregular watering or a lack of nitrogen in the soil. Plants that aren’t getting enough water may initially wilt during midday, yellowing as the water stress increases. Apply 2 to 4 inches (5-8 cm.)
What causes leaf curl?
Peach leaf curl, also known as leaf curl, is a disease caused by the fungus Taphrina deformans. Peach leaf curl affects the blossoms, fruit, leaves, and shoots of peaches, ornamental flowering peaches, and nectarines, and is one of the most common disease problems for backyard gardeners growing these trees.
Can leaf curl be reversed?
You cannot treat or cure infected plants, and they likely will not recover. Remove the plants from the garden and dispose of them. In the future, keep the garden free of weeds and insect pests so they can’t transmit viruses to other plants.
What do you do with curly leaves?
Leaf curl can be controlled by applying sulfur or copper-based fungicides that are labeled for use on peaches and nectarines. Spray the entire tree after 90% of the leaves have dropped in the fall and again in the early spring, just before the buds open.
What does an overwatered eggplant look like?
An overwatered eggplant will also show symptoms of this problem on its leaves. Look for leaves that feel wet, soft, and limp. More symptoms of overwatering include premature leaf drop of new growth and soft, brown, or mushy roots that prevent the plant from taking water, causing leaf curl and wilting.
How often should eggplants be watered?
Eggplant also needs consistent water, at least 1 inch per week. It is better to give one thorough soaking than several frequent, short waterings, because frequent watering promotes shallow roots. Weather and soil type, of course, will affect water demand.
What do you spray on eggplant leaves?
A variety of chemical insecticides are labeled for flea beetles. Organic options are neem oil, garlic-based sprays, rotenone, pyrethrins and Pyola (a canola oil and pyrethrins combo from www.gardensalive.com.) You might need to spray every week or so through August, when flea beetles taper off for the season.
How do you treat leaf curls naturally?
Other organic controls for Peach Leaf Curl include:
- Applying copper oxychloride or lime sulphur sprays as above, or Bordeaux mixture.
- Bagging and binning any affected leaves or fruit.
- Hygiene is important – clean up any leaf, branch or fruit material that accumulates beneath the tree.
- Choose resistant varieties.
What are the symptoms of leaf curl?
The symptoms of leaf curl disease are very complex, and the typical symptoms include leaf curling, puckering of leaves, vein yellowing, stunting, excessive branching, from pale yellowing to deep yellowing, and smalling of leaves [6].
Should I remove leaves with leaf curl?
Remove the puckered leaves as they curl and keep them from piling up under the tree and releasing spores that will further infect the tree and its neighbors. Thinning the baby fruit to one fruit every five to seven inches will allow the tree to maintain its strength.
What is the best fungicide for leaf curl?
The safest and most effective fungicides available to home gardeners are fixed copper products. These may be listed as metallic copper equivalent (MCE) on product labels. The higher the MCE, the more effective the fungicide will be. Other less effective fungicides include lime sulfur and copper sulfate.
When should I spray for leaf curl?
The first spray should be in late autumn at leaf fall just before the tree enters its dormancy. Spray again at bud swell or bud burst in late winter or early spring. Once the leaves have opened out it is too late to spray for Peach Leaf Curl and many other fungal diseases.
Can leaf curl spread to other plants?
The fungus causes the growing cells at the leaf margins to multiply quickly and randomly which results in the curled and distorted appearance. The fungus then wastes no time producing spores on the surface of the leaf that spread to other leaves and fruits on your tree or other trees in the area.
How do you tell if Underwatering vs overwatering?
If the soil is wet, it’s overwatered – if it’s dry, it’s underwatered. Browning edges: Another symptom that can go both ways. Determine which by feeling the leaf showing browning: if it feels crispy and light, it is underwatered. If it feels soft and limp, it is overwatered.
How do I keep my eggplant plant healthy?
Choose an area with abundant sunlight and fertile, well-drained soil. Improve native soil by mixing in several inches of aged compost or other rich organic matter. Keep soil moist but not soggy—soaker hoses are a great option. Keep your plants fed by feeding them regularly with a continuous-release plant food.
Does eggplant like Epsom salt?
As the plants grow, they need an even moisture supply. They do well with a drip irrigation system, but many watering methods work. When the first blossoms appear, spray the plants with a seaweed extract with one teaspoon of Epsom salts dissolved per gallon. The solution improves fruit set.
Can you overwater eggplant?
Eggplants suffering from over-watering and drought eventually die. Over-watered eggplant roots rot, which prevents plants from taking up water and causes wilting. Under-watered plants also wilt, grow poorly and develop pithy fruits.
What is the best fertilizer for eggplants?
A balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) is often recommended for eggplant. Feeding too much nitrogen at this point can result in large, leafy plants that fail to produce fruit.
What can you not plant near eggplant?
Eggplant – A good companion for amaranth, beans, marigolds, peas, peppers, spinach, and thyme. Do not plant eggplants near fennel.
Elvira Bowen is a food expert who has dedicated her life to understanding the science of cooking. She has worked in some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens, and has published several cookbooks that have become bestsellers. Elvira is known for her creative approach to cuisine, and her passion for teaching others about the culinary arts.