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Grape leaves
Alex11
Posts: 4
Hi there,
We planted a grape vine in our garden about 18months ago against a south facing wall. It seems quite happy, growing well and fruiting nicely. However in the last few weeks some of the leaves have started to discolour. Please could anyone help and let us know what might be causing it?!
many thanks
0
Posts
Loss of colour between veins is usually a sign of nutrient deficiency (iron, manganese or magnesium.) Have you been feeding it regularly? If not, try using a tomato feed as these generally include the trace nutrients mentioned above. As a short-term fix, spraying it as well as watering it in could be of benefit. In the longer term, mulching the area around the roots with well rotted farmyard manure in the autumn should provide for its needs.
If it's a new(ish) wall, there is also the possibility that lime from the cement is making the soil a bit on the alkaline side, making it harder for the vine to take up nutrients. Again, the FYM should help with that.
If only the oldest leaves are affected it could simply be those leaves are reaching the end of their life but a good feed would be a good idea in any case.
PS, Magnesium deficiency is common in grape vines and spraying with Epsom salts dissolved in water is the recommended remedy. Over-use of high potash fertilizers can actually cause magnesium deficiency (I mention this in case you have indeed been feeding it!)
Last edited: 17 July 2016 15:24:48
That's great, thank you for the detailed response. We haven't fed it yet as it has always looked strong and healthy so will give this a go!
If you spray with Epsom salts, the dosage is 20g per litre (1/2oz per pint.) Oh, and don't spray in strong sunlight - best wait for an overcast day.
Last edited: 17 July 2016 20:56:09