Iron Chlorosis

Iron chlorosis is an iron deficiency within plants resulting in yellowing and possible death of plant tissue, usually leaves. Symptoms of iron chlorosis on leaves include dark green veins, but yellow leaf tissue.

In many cases, iron is usually available in sufficient quantities in yard and garden soils. However, the pH may be too high for the iron to be absorbed.

Lowering the soil pH is one way to make iron available, though results may not be seen for several years.

Chelated iron fertilizer forms, such as Miracid, are not tied up or bound by particles in a high pH soil. Fertilizer should be applied in early spring as leaves are emerging. Some chelated forms can be applied directly to leaves.

Iron chlorosis may be more noticeable following extremely cold winters or wet weather.

(revised 2-94)