Why Are Strawberry Leaves Turning Red? Causes, Solutions, and FAQ

Identifying early warning signs will help preserve vibrant foliage and support bountiful berry harvests.

By Srija Burman

Created on Aug 29, 2025

Identifying early warning signs will help preserve vibrant foliage and support bountiful berry harvests.

Why Are Strawberry Leaves Turning Red?

Seeing vibrant red leaves on your strawberry plants can be quite alarming, especially for gardeners who aim for lush green foliage and bountiful harvests. While some red discoloration is harmless or simply a seasonal occurrence, red leaves can also indicate underlying problems that need prompt attention. In this guide, you’ll learn the primary reasons strawberry leaves turn red, how to accurately diagnose the issue, and proven strategies to bring your plants back to health.

The Quick Answer: Red Leaves on Strawberries

In most cases, strawberry leaves turn red due to:

Nutrient deficiencies, especially phosphorus and nitrogen
Plant diseases such as leaf scorch caused by fungi
Environmental stressors like cold snaps or intense sunlight
Natural seasonal changes before dormancy

If your plants suddenly show red leaves, it’s essential to check for additional symptoms, such as speckling, wilting, or stunted growth, to zero in on the cause and take corrective action.

Understanding Why Strawberry Leaves Turn Red

Let’s break down each cause, how it manifests, and what you can do about it.

1. Natural Plant Cycle and Genetics

During the natural ripening process and when approaching winter dormancy, it’s normal for strawberry leavesâespecially the older or lower leavesâto shift from green to red, orange, or even purple hues. This is part of the plant’s preparation for lower temperatures, similar to how deciduous trees change color in autumn.

Some strawberry varieties are genetically predisposed to reddish stems or leaves as they mature. The red pigment (anthocyanin) is natural and usually not a cause for concern if plants otherwise look healthy.
If most foliage stays green and vigorous, and the plant continues producing fruit, the red leaves may simply be part of the variety’s life cycle or a seasonal change.

2. Nutrient Deficiencies

Nutrient imbalances are one of the most common preventable causes for strawberry leaves turning red.

Phosphorus deficiency tends to cause leaves to appear reddish-purple, particularly when soil pH is too low (<5.5) or too high (>7.0).
Nitrogen deficiency may also result in smaller, reddish, or purplish leaves lacking vigorous growth.
Other nutrients, like potassium and magnesium, can contribute to abnormal coloring if in deficit, but phosphorus and nitrogen are most closely linked to red discoloration.

Solution:

Test your soil’s nutrient levels and pH with a reliable kit at the start of the growing season.
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer if deficiencies are found, targeting phosphorus and nitrogen as needed.
Keep pH between 5.5 and 6.8 for optimal nutrient availability.

3. Environmental Stressors

Reddened leaves can be a natural response to stress. Strawberry plants are sensitive to their surroundings, and changes can have dramatic effects on foliage color.

Cold snaps can cause sudden reddening as plants react to temperature stress. This effect is more pronounced during early spring or late fall.
Extreme sunlight triggers the plantâs internal production of protective pigments like anthocyanins, resulting in red tints to shield leaves from sunburn and UV damage.
Drought or erratic watering patterns can also hinder nutrient uptake, leading to stress symptoms such as redness.

Solution:

Provide shade cloth or plant strawberries in locations with partial afternoon shade during peak summer months.
Maintain consistent soil moisture but avoid waterlogging. Adjust watering during prolonged heat or dry spells.
Apply 2â3 inches of organic mulch to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.

4. Fungal and Bacterial Diseases

Pathogens are a serious cause of red strawberry leaves and can quickly damage entire beds if not managed.

Leaf Scorch (Diplocarpon earlianum)

Leaf scorch presents as speckles, splotches, or dots of red and purple, which spread to form large necrotic (dead) patches. Affected leaves may look ‘scorched’ or burnt.
The disease typically appears in cool, wet weather, especially in early spring or fall.
It can extend beyond the leaves to petioles (the stalk joining leaf to stem), runners, fruit stems, and sepals.
Some cultivars are more susceptible than others; check variety resistance when planting new strawberries.

Other Fungal and Bacterial Issues

Angular leaf spot: Causes clear lesions that may appear yellow when held to light and turn leaves red-orange to brown at the edges.
Other fungi can produce red, orange, or brown lesions, especially if water splashes spread spores from infected foliage.

Solution:

Prune and remove all infected leaves immediately to prevent disease spread.
Promote good airflow by spacing plants and removing excess debris.
Water from below (e.g., drip irrigation) rather than overhead to minimize wet foliage.
Apply organic fungicides (like copper-based sprays) as a preventive measure if diseases are recurrent in your area.
Choose disease-resistant cultivars and rotate crops to reduce survival of pathogens in soil.

Diagnostic Reference Table: Causes of Red Strawberry Leaves

Symptom Pattern	Likely Cause	How to Fix
Uniform red/purple color, mainly on older leaves	Natural seasonal change, mild nutrient issue	Monitor; test soil nutrition, especially phosphorus
Small red spots merging to blotches, burnt appearance	Leaf scorch (fungal disease)	Remove affected leaves, apply fungicide, improve airflow
Red or purple leaves, stunted growth, low vigor	Phosphorus or nitrogen deficiency	Fertilize appropriately, adjust soil pH if needed
Sudden reddening after cold or intense sun	Environmental stress	Protect from temperature extremes or harsh sun, maintain moisture
Red stems but green, healthy leaves	Genetic trait, normal in some varieties	No action needed if plant is thriving

How to Fix Red Strawberry Leaves: Step-by-Step Guide

Diagnose the Pattern: Examine leaves for spots, even color, yellow edges, or wilting. Note when and how fast symptoms appeared.
Test Your Soil: Use a soil test kit to measure pH and key nutrients (N-P-K: Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium). Adjust if levels are outside the ideal range.
Remove Problem Leaves: Prune and discard any red, diseased, or dying leaves. Clean tools between plants to prevent disease transfer.
Fertilize Appropriately: Apply a balanced fertilizer or one tailored to correct deficiencies. Avoid over-fertilizing; this can cause more harm.
Regulate Water and Sun: Strawberries do best with even moisture and full sun in mild climatesâshade them in excessive heat and avoid letting soil dry out completely.
Monitor for Recurrence: Watch new foliage for signs of improvement within 2â4 weeks. Continue managing water, nutrients, and air circulation.

Preventing Red Leaves in the Future

Plant strawberries in well-draining, fertile soil enriched with compost or aged manure.
Rotate locations each year to prevent buildup of soil-borne pathogens.
Choose disease-resistant varieties whenever possible.
Mulch generously with straw or pine needles to suppress weeds, retain moisture, and minimize soil splash.
Regularly inspect plants for early signs of stress or disease and act quickly if identified.
Maintain proper plant spacing for good airflow around leaves and fruit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I eat strawberries from plants with red leaves?

A: Generally yes, but discard any berries that show signs of rot, mold, or disease. The fruit is typically unaffected by red leaves unless the plant is severely diseased.

Q: Should I remove red leaves from my strawberry plant?

A: Yes. Prune and dispose of red, dying, or diseased leaves to improve airflow, limit disease spread, and help the plant focus energy on healthy growth.

Q: Are some varieties more likely to develop red leaves?

A: Yes. Some cultivars have a genetic tendency towards red stems or minor red leaf coloration, especially in late summer or fall. Always check your varietyâs typical growth pattern.

Q: Do I need to treat my soil every year?

A: Not necessarily, but regular testing and compost amendment at the start of the season are highly recommended to maintain optimal conditions.

Q: Will the red color go away on its own?

A: If the red color is due to stress or deficiency and you fix the underlying cause, new growth should be green. Old red leaves generally do not revert to green and can be pruned.

Final Tips for Thriving Strawberries

Monitor your plants weekly for changes in leaf color, spots, or pest signs.
Keep records of any issues and improvements after interventions; this helps troubleshoot future problems.
Rotate strawberries with legumes or leafy crops to reduce soil exhaustion and interrupt disease cycles.
When in doubt, consult your local agricultural extension office or a master gardener for region-specific advice.

Summary: Healthy Leaves = Healthy Strawberries

Red leaves on strawberry plants are both a useful warning sign and a reminder of the plantâs seasonal rhythms. By understanding what causes reddeningâwhether itâs due to disease, nutrient deficiency, or simply autumnâs approachâyou can quickly respond, ensuring robust growth and sweet, plentiful berries.

If your strawberry leaves begin to turn red, use this guide to diagnose, treat, and prevent the problem, supporting a vibrant and productive garden year after year.

References

Author

Srija Burman

Srija holds an MA in English Literature from the University of Calcutta and a PG diploma in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University. Her interest in writing and editing ranges across niches, including academics, sports, and human psychology.

Read full bio of Srija Burman