May 16, 2025, 9:16 am | Read time: 4 minutes
The strawberry plants in the garden show a spotted pattern on the leaves instead of a lush green. myHOMEBOOK explains what might be causing this.
Raspberries, blackberries, currants, gooseberries—in this lineup of the most popular berry types for the garden, strawberries are certainly not to be missed. They thrive in many locations as long as they receive enough sun and water and the soil is nutrient-rich. However, hobby gardeners sometimes notice distinctive spots in various colors on their strawberry leaves. Whether these are harmless or require treatment is clarified in this article.
Overview
Causes of Spots on Strawberry Leaves
As is often the case, there is not just one cause for abnormalities in our garden plants. The same applies to spots on strawberry leaves. The following causes can lead to color and sometimes structural changes:
Fungal Diseases
In strawberries, fungal diseases like white and red spot disease are relatively common. As the names suggest, the leaves develop spots of different colors. White spots with red borders are typical of white spot diseases. In red spot disease, the spots are consistently reddish. Initially, the spots are only a few millimeters in size but spread as the fungal infestation intensifies, eventually merging.
The larger the spots, the weaker the plant becomes, as it can no longer absorb sunlight through the affected areas of the leaves. Heavy rainfall can promote the spread, as fungi thrive in moist conditions.
Pests
Pests also occasionally invade strawberry plants and can cause spots on the leaves. These include:
- Spider mites: These pests are barely visible to the naked eye, so we usually notice the infestation only when it is more advanced and silvery spots appear on the strawberry leaves. These occur because the spider mites suck the plant sap from the leaves.
- Strawberry blossom weevil: As its name suggests, the strawberry blossom weevil attacks the blossoms of the strawberry plant. While the leaves are not directly affected, the insect weakens the plant, making fungal infections more likely, which in turn can lead to spots on the strawberry leaves.
Nutrient Deficiency or Waterlogging
Strawberry plants require soil rich in potassium and magnesium for optimal growth. A deficiency in these minerals can lead to symptoms and spots on the strawberry leaves. Waterlogging due to impermeable soil or excessive watering can also promote spot formation.
Also interesting: The Right Time to Plant Strawberries in Spring
Sunburn and Environmental Stress
If strawberry plants are exposed to direct sunlight all day and have just been planted, this can lead to a type of sunburn on the leaves. This also manifests as spots on the strawberry leaves. Conversely, sudden frost (for example, if the strawberry plants were planted too early) can cause spot-like damage to the leaves.
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Preventing Spots on Strawberry Leaves
Some causes of spots on strawberry leaves can be easily prevented, while others may mean the plants are unfortunately lost. However, there are a few first-aid measures:
- Remove all spotted leaves. In cases of fungal diseases and pests, these should not end up in the compost, as they can spread to potential host plants through mature compost.
- Ensure airy planting with sufficient spacing. If the plants are too close together, they can more easily infect each other with fungal diseases and pests.
- The ideal location for strawberries is sunny, but they should not be exposed to direct sunlight all day. Additionally, wait until after the Ice Saints to plant strawberries to avoid frost damage. A nutrient-rich and airy soil ensures good drainage and adequate mineral supply.
- Fungicides that combat fungal diseases on strawberry plants should only be used if the infestation becomes overwhelming. It is also important that the products used are approved for strawberries.
- Regular checks allow us to quickly identify potential diseases, pests, or other problems on the plant. It’s best to examine the leaves weekly while weeding, including the underside of the leaves.