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onion plant leaves dimpling and bending over #867425

Asked May 07, 2024, 1:25 PM EDT

My onion plants are growing in a little greenhouse but seem to be struggling. Some of the leaves are oddly dimpled, other bend and fall over. I know the temp in the greenhouse fluctuates a lot, sometimes from 40-50 degrees at night and up to 100 degrees mid-day. I have been watering once daily. Can you tell me what might be the problem?

Wayne County Michigan

Expert Response

Hi, thanks for the question. 

This appears to be a zinc deficiency.  Onions are sensitive to zinc levels.  It could be a result of a too high of soil pH.  Soils with high organic matter may make a zinc deficiency worse. High phosphorus levels may limit zinc uptake.  Cold/wet conditions can make cause zinc deficiencies worse. Managing and adjusting phosphorous levels, zinc levels, and organic matter levels appropriately will help.  Check out the following link:

https://www.onionpatch.dixondalefarms.com/essential-nutrients-for-growing-onions/

I hope this is helpful.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 09, 2024, 11:26 AM EDT

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