Deficiencies
Boron deficiency
Identify Boron deficiency: symptoms, possible causes, prevention, and practical actions for 17 affected plants. Hollow heart
Editorial diagnosis
Diagnosis overview
Boron deficiency is a deficiency pattern in which nutrient supply or uptake does not match the plant's needs.
In gardens, Boron deficiency can occur on plants including Napa cabbage, Fennel, Radish, Salsify. In the available profiles, it is linked mainly with Berries, Cabbages, Flower vegetables.
The recorded risk level is high.
Check whether young or older leaves react first, whether veins remain green, and whether the pattern is evenly distributed. Assess soil moisture, pH, and root condition at the same time. Record the most recent feeding and use a soil test for recurring or widespread deficiency patterns instead of applying several fertilisers on suspicion.
A common mistake is to fertilise immediately. Waterlogging, drought, cold soil, unsuitable pH, or damaged roots can block nutrient uptake.
At a glance
Plants
17
Category
Berries, Cabbages, Flower vegetables, Herbs, Leafy vegetables
Risk
high
Typical signs
- Hollow heart
- Hollow stems
- Glassy spots in flesh
- cracked root surfaces
- Internal browning and hollows in the bulb
- cracks in the tuber
- stunted growth
- cracked stalks
Immediate actions
- Conduct soil analysis
- Apply boron-containing fertilizer (carefully)
- Spray with boric acid (1 g per 5 L water)
- spray with boric acid (0.2%)
- Balanced fertilization
Prevention
- avoiding excessive nitrogen and potassium
Affected plants
Similar topics
FAQ
What causes Boron deficiency?
Alkaline soils




