Troubleshooting
Lettuce problems — and how to fix them
Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Yellow leaves
Heat stress, nutrient depletion, or downy mildew.
Full lettuce yellow leaves diagnosis →Curling leaves
Aphids on the undersides.
Full lettuce curling leaves diagnosis →Brown leaf edges
Tipburn from heat or calcium uptake issues.
Full lettuce brown leaf edges diagnosis →Wilting in heat
Too much sun; provide afternoon shade or harvest early.
Full lettuce wilting in heat diagnosis →Bolting (going to seed)
Triggered by heat or day length — switch varieties for summer.
Prevent lettuce problems before they start
Most lettuce issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Lettuce problems — FAQ
Why is my lettuce yellow leaves?
Heat stress, nutrient depletion, or downy mildew.
Why is my lettuce curling leaves?
Aphids on the undersides.
Why is my lettuce brown leaf edges?
Tipburn from heat or calcium uptake issues.
Why is my lettuce wilting in heat?
Too much sun; provide afternoon shade or harvest early.
Why is my lettuce bolting (going to seed)?
Triggered by heat or day length — switch varieties for summer.