Why Are My Raspberry Leaves Turning Yellow?

Yellow leaves on raspberry canes are a common concern but the cause varies significantly depending on the pattern and timing. A uniform yellowing that appears only on old, lower leaves in late summer is normal autumn senescence. Yellowing that appears on young leaves or spreads across the plant during the active growing season is not normal and usually points to iron or manganese deficiency, virus infection, or waterlogged roots.

Iron deficiency — yellowing between veins on new leaves

Young leaves turning yellow while the veins remain green (interveinal chlorosis on new growth) is classic iron deficiency — more accurately iron-deficiency chlorosis usually caused by high soil pH rather than actual absence of iron. At pH above 7.0, iron becomes chemically locked up and unavailable to plant roots. Raspberries prefer pH 6.0–6.5. Apply sulphate of iron as a foliar spray for quick results, and acidify the soil with sulphur or ericaceous compost mulch for a longer-term fix.

Manganese deficiency

Manganese deficiency produces a similar interveinal yellowing but tends to affect middle-aged leaves rather than the youngest. It is also more common on alkaline soils. A foliar spray of manganese sulphate provides rapid correction. Both iron and manganese deficiencies indicate a soil pH that needs correcting rather than a simple nutrient shortage.

Virus yellowing

Several viruses affect raspberries and cause yellowing that does not correspond to any nutrient pattern — irregular mottling, yellow patches, or complete yellowing of individual leaves spread randomly through the canopy. Virused plants also often show poor vigour overall. There is no treatment; remove affected plants and replant with certified virus-free stock in a new position after a rotation gap.

Waterlogging

Raspberry roots in saturated soil cannot absorb nutrients regardless of soil fertility. Whole-plant yellowing with persistently wet soil indicates drainage problems. Improve drainage or relocate the planting to a better-drained site.