Why Are Leaves Turning Yellow on Pole Beans?

Pole beans are a fun summer vegetable that grow well in sunny conditions. There are many factors that cause pole bean leaves to turn yellow. Fast attention to ailing plants may save your harvest.

Healthy Beans

Healthy pole beans should be green in color, with bushy green leaves. Healthy bean plants will continue to produce beans after you begin harvesting mature beans, and plants will maintain a healthy appearance in flower, seed and leaf structure.

Root Rot

Root rot can cause pole bean leaves to turn yellow. To check for root rot, carefully pull out one of your pole bean vines and check the roots for bruises or colored markings.

Over Watering

Giving your plants too much water can cause the leaves to turn yellow. Always plant pole beans in soil that drains well. If you determine that your plants are not suffering from root rot or other problems, cut back on your watering and dose the plants with fish emulsion to speed recovery.

Sun Exposure

Pole beans, like all members of the bean family, require full sun to thrive. Lack of adequate growing conditions, including sun exposure, may cause beans to wither and leaves to turn yellow.

Disease

Several types of disease can cause pole beans to develop yellow leaves, including bean blight and bean mosaic disease.

References

• Pole Beans - Dave's Garden

Resources

• University of Illinois - Beans