Why Are My Marigold Leaves Turning Purple?

Marigold is a very hardy flower plant that we would find in most of the garden. Gardeners love these flowers for their beautiful vibrant color and how easily they can hold up to any situation. Marigold has a lot of variety but each of them comes with different sorts of beauty and uniqueness.  Although the plant is very resistant toward various problems that does not easily bother. But still, they will show plant problems and may just disappear due to not taking care of them properly.

Marigold has various common problems that can easily be solved and your plants will be full of eye-catching marigold flowers. Among all these problems leaf turning purple is one of them. But since marigold plants grow easily many people don’t notice them. That is why the question, “Why are my marigold leaves turning purple?” comes up so often. To make the understanding very easy we are going to have a look into every dimension of the problem. So let’s get right into it!

Key Takeaways

Marigold Leaves Turning Purple: 6 Reasons Why

Marigolds turning purple is a very common problem and when the leaves start to turn purple they will eventually wilt and fall off. This can lead to losing the whole plant! Just so you would not have to go through all that, take a look at all the reasons your marigold might be turning purple, so you can take action immediately. Here are 6 reasons why your marigold leaves are turning purple:

1. Nutrition deficiency

The first and foremost reason your marigold leaves can turn purple is different types of nutrition deficiency. When nutrition deficiency occurs the leaves cannot produce enough chlorophyll according to their need. As the amount of nutrients reduces the chlorophyll reduces too and as a result the leaves turn purple. well, there can be different types of nutrition deficiency and each of them has a different impact and can turn the leaves purple in different ways. Let’s see some of the deficiencies.

1. Magnesium deficiency: Magnesium is the main nutrient that manages the distribution and chlorophyll production in the plant body. When the marigold plant sufferers from magnesium deficiency, the plant cannot produce any chlorophyll from where the green color of the leaves comes from. When magnesium deficiency occurs in your marigold it does not matter how much sunlight is falling over the plant it cannot get any and process any of the sunlight. Eventually, the whole plant will stop making any food and die.
2. Potassium deficiency: Potassium is another nutrient deficiency that can make the leaves turn purple. this nutrient does not participate in the production of chlorophyll rather it uses chlorophyll to reduce sugars and starches during the process of photosynthesis. Potassium also works as a catalyst. Potassium has an important role in using carbon dioxide and water in the production of other nutrients. Potassium also helps to make oxygen as a by-product. When Potassium deficiency occurs the whole process disrupts and the chlorophyll also stops working as a result the marigold plant gets very weak and the leaves start to turn purple in response to lesser chlorophyll.
3. Phosphorus deficiency: Phosphorus is an important element that builds up the roots and stems of the marigold plant. it might not seem relatable that the leaves turn purple due to the deficiency in the roots and the stems. Although the food of the marigold plants is produced by the leaves and most of the minerals are extracted from the soil by roots or absorbed by the stems. When phosphorus deficiency occurs the roots and the soil cannot function properly to all the other processes necessary for the plant’s natural growth and being healthy. Ultimately the plant loses all its nutrients and strength which starts with the leaves turning purple and then eventually drying.

2. Light imbalance

Sunlight is very important for any plant. Marigold is no different. Appropriate sunlight makes the plants grow and thrive. The sunlight can promote food production and nutrients in the marigold plant’s body. But some people get the wrong idea of giving too much sunlight or giving no shade will make the Marigold plants healthier but when given too much sunlight only the opposite happens. When you keep the marigold plant in too much sunlight without having any shade this can burn the leaves and make them turn purple or red. Also, the consequences can be leading the leaves to be curled up or crispy. Excessive exposure will just burn the whole marigold plant.

3. Too cold soil

Marigold grows well in the humid environment or during the summer. Their roots are very thin and can absorb nutrients from the soil that are not clumped together. In a humid environment, soil remains very crumbly making nutrient absorption easy for the roots. Marigold plants do not do well in cold weather. When the soil gets too cold and all clumped up together the roots of marigold cannot extract nutrients and eventually suffer from nutrient deficiency. This is why cold soil can make the leaves go purple and dry them.

4. Fungal disease: mildew, botrytis, and mold

Marigolds are notoriously hard to take care of due to their being susceptible to fungal diseases. Out of them, the major ones are mildew, botrytis, and mold. All three of these fungal diseases cause the leaves of the marigold to turn purple. So let’s look at them each more closely:

• Mildew: when the mildew first appears they are seen as a white layer on top of the leaves. Eventually, the white layer turns purple. this infection can spread through all of your plants. Powdery mildew grows in congested areas of the marigold plant. When your marigold plant is not getting enough air, is wet for too long, or has nitrogen deficiency powdery mildew will be promoted to grow there. Powdery mildew is caused by many specialized races of fungal species in the genera there are Sphaerotheca, Erysiphe, Phyllactinia, Podosphaera, Microsphaera, and Uncinula.
• Botrytis: it is another kind of fungal disease that turn the marigold leaves purple, brown, or gray. This kind of fungus occurs due to the humidity around the marigold plant. Botrytis gets into the plant’s body through wounds. This kind of fungus isn’t that easy to get rid of and can make your healthy plants affected.
• Mold: an infection that is also known as white mold is caused by the fungus named Sclerotinia. This is a dangerous fungus that no gardener wants to face in their gardens. This is because the mold does not go away for a long time and can circle your garden for approximately 5 years. When the marigold plant is affected by this kind of mold, the formation can be seen in the stems and the roots.  When this kind of mold forms in marigold plants it gets detached from outer contact of air and water that eventually turns the leaves purple and dries the stems. Most of the time there is no way out.

5. Insects attack

Insects are the worst enemy of the marigold plant. Insects like thrips, spider mites, and aphids can harm the marigold plant and extract nutrients from the plant, causing nutrient deficiency that turns the leaves purple. The insects work like parasites for the marigold plant and cannot let them grow. Specifically, when the marigold is attacked by the aphids the leaves can turn purple, yellow, or get distorted. These insects as very small and known as sap-sucking insects. Also, the flowers can be affected by aphids and spider mites which do much of the same to the flowers of the marigold.

6. Soil ph Imbalance

The marigold leaves can turn purple due to the PH imbalance of the soil. Marigolds prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil.  This means the PH for marigolds should be around 6.0 – 7.0. Marigold leaves can turn purple if the PH balance goes high or low, too much acidic or alkaline soil is not good for marigold growth.

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7 Easy Solutions for Marigold Leaves Turning Purple

If your marigold leaves are turning purple and looking for solutions to make the purpling stop then here are some of them that can make the situation a little better for you.

1. Fertilizer and organic compost: If you find out that your plants have nutrition deficiency, then the only this you can turn to is fertilizer. You can use organic fertilizers if you want. Fertilizers that are good for marigold plants should be used often. If your plants are suffering from nutrients then use fertilizers that are rich in nutrients, such as potassium, magnesium, phosphorous, etc. You can order fertilizers, especially for marigold plants. If you opt for compost, then it should be applied to the roots of the plants. Too much compost will rot the plants. Measure your compost before applying it. They are also helpful in the production of magnesium.
2. Changing soil pH levels: The ideal pH level for soil is 6 to 7. Increase your pH level, if the soil is acidic. Lime can be added to the soil. If lime is not possible to add, potassium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate can be added to the soil to increase the pH level. You can add sulfur and vinegar to the soil to lower the PH level. In case of lower PH levels try increasing it by adding lime or calcium carbonate.
3. Sunlight and shade: Purpling of leaves get very common in early spring when the soil gets very cold.  To prevent this, you can repot the marigold in a different place under direct sunlight. Make to give some shade when the sunlight gets too hot. Otherwise, marigold leaves will burn. The plants of Marigold should get sunlight for 6-8 hours a day. Place it in a shaded spot when the temperature is too high. Proper and regular sunlight will help in proper photosynthesis.
4. Remove marigolds with mold: If you see any formation of molds in your marigold plants, then take action immediately. It is better to just cut down the part that is affected by the fungus. This kind of fungus can live in your garden for five years so it is better to make them go away from the roots.
5. Pest control: To control the pests, you can use fungicide or organic and chemical insecticide twice a week. It will destroy any harmful pests and insects around your plant. Controlling pests will also save the seeds of the plants. You could also use a floating cover to prevent insects attack and prevent insects and pests from laying eggs on your marigolds.
6. Appropriate spacing between marigolds: The last thing you want is the spread of purple leaves between your marigolds. That is why a good distance between the plants will prevent the spread of diseases and it will ensure good airflow. Keep at least 2 inches of distance between each plant.
7. Proper watering: Optimal watering of marigold plants is crucial in the prevention of purpling leaves. Watering should only be done when the soil is completely dry. Too much water not only can make the leaves ill but also cause root rot. Also, you should not water the plant from above this may promote fungus growth.

Remember that regular check is essential for the marigold plants. Without proper checking, they may build up mildew, dirt, and other insects that might harm them. Birds or animals may eat them up. But when you are taking regular care, you will notice differences in your plants to take precautions. They might need trimming which you could tell easily when you are taking care of them every day.

4 Other Common Problems with Marigold Leaves

Marigold plants face other so many kinds of leaves problems. Each of them has different reasons and solutions behind it. Let’s find out some of the very common leaves problems of marigolds.

1. Leaves turning black: Small black dots sometimes appear on the marigold leaves. This kind of problem occurs due to insects. If not taken care of, this problem will worsen. As soon as noticing back dots on some leaves remove them from the plant and opt for a fungicide. Usually, fungicides will remove the problem.
2. Holes in leaves: Marigold plants face holes in their leaves very often. This is a sign that something is eating leaves causing holes in them. Japanese beetles are one of the very common insects that cause this kind of problem in marigold leaves.
3. Browning of leaves: Sometimes you can see marigold leaves turning brown. This type of browning occurs at the tip of the leaves. Marigold leaves browning can occur due to overwatering. To get rid of the browning, you can use less water in your marigold plants. Before watering your plants again check if the soil has dried a little bit.
4. Floppy leaves: In that case, the leaves will just look very loose which is caused by overwatering. If you keep watering your marigold plants without letting them soak up all the water on the soil and water that over and over again, the leaves will turn out very loose.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Leaves turning purple can actually impact the overall cycle of the plant. The reason behind marigold leaves turning purple is mainly believed to be a phosphorus deficiency. That is one of the many reasons though not the only one. Other most common reasons for marigold leaves turning purple are assumed to be nutrients deficiency, lightning imbalance, mildew, insect attack, etc. This is not a type of problem that cannot be solved rather there are numerous solutions and easy ones that you can go for. There are prevention measures too that will sway away the possibility of marigold leaves turning purple. So, marigold purple leaves may be harmful to the plant but there is always a possibility to get out of it.

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