Troubleshooting
Pepper problems — and how to fix them
Pepper (Capsicum annuum) 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
Overwatering, nitrogen deficiency, or magnesium deficiency.
Full pepper yellow leaves diagnosis →Curling leaves
Heat stress, aphids, or virus.
Full pepper curling leaves diagnosis →Brown spots
Bacterial leaf spot — water at the soil line.
Full pepper brown spots diagnosis →Flower drop
Temperatures above 32°C or below 16°C cause buds to abort.
Blossom-end rot
Inconsistent watering; mulch helps.
Prevent pepper problems before they start
Most pepper issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Pepper problems — FAQ
Why is my pepper yellow leaves?
Overwatering, nitrogen deficiency, or magnesium deficiency.
Why is my pepper curling leaves?
Heat stress, aphids, or virus.
Why is my pepper brown spots?
Bacterial leaf spot — water at the soil line.
Why is my pepper flower drop?
Temperatures above 32°C or below 16°C cause buds to abort.
Why is my pepper blossom-end rot?
Inconsistent watering; mulch helps.