Troubleshooting
Squash problems — and how to fix them
Squash (Cucurbita pepo) 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
Powdery mildew or squash vine borer damage.
Full squash yellow leaves diagnosis →Curling leaves
Squash bugs or virus.
Full squash curling leaves diagnosis →Brown leaf spots
Powdery mildew or anthracnose.
Full squash brown leaf spots diagnosis →Sudden wilting
Squash vine borer — check the stem base for sawdust-like frass.
Full squash sudden wilting diagnosis →Fruit rotting at the blossom end
Blossom-end rot from uneven watering.
Prevent squash problems before they start
Most squash issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Squash problems — FAQ
Why is my squash yellow leaves?
Powdery mildew or squash vine borer damage.
Why is my squash curling leaves?
Squash bugs or virus.
Why is my squash brown leaf spots?
Powdery mildew or anthracnose.
Why is my squash sudden wilting?
Squash vine borer — check the stem base for sawdust-like frass.
Why is my squash fruit rotting at the blossom end?
Blossom-end rot from uneven watering.