Deficiencies

Calcium deficiency

Identify Calcium deficiency: symptoms, possible causes, prevention, and practical actions for 15 affected plants. Stunted growth of young leaves

Editorial diagnosis

Diagnosis overview

Calcium deficiency is a deficiency pattern in which nutrient supply or uptake does not match the plant's needs.

In gardens, Calcium deficiency can occur on plants including Physalis peruviana, Apple, Eggplant, Common chicory. In the available profiles, it is linked mainly with Berries, Cabbages, Cucurbits.

The recorded risk level is medium.

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

15

Category

Berries, Cabbages, Cucurbits, Fruit vegetables, Leafy vegetables

Risk

medium

Typical signs

  • Stunted growth of young leaves
  • Bitter pit in fruit
  • Blossom end rot (dark, sunken spots at the blossom end of fruits)
  • Dying leaf tips
  • Wilting of shoot tips
  • Tipburn (brown leaf margins in the lettuce heart)
  • Pops (empty pods)
  • Death of the youngest leaves in the heart of the plant

Immediate actions

  • Application of calcium fertilizers (e.g., calcium sulfate, calcium nitrate)
  • Calcium fertilizers (e.g., calcium nitrate) via foliar spray or soil application
  • Balanced fertilization with calcium
  • Ensure consistent water supply
  • Boden mit Kalk oder Gesteinsmehl verbessern
  • Water evenly
  • apply agricultural lime if necessary

Prevention

  • Sufficient calcium supply in the soil
  • Adjust pH (6.0–7.5)
  • Regular watering
  • Regular lime applications for acidic soils

Affected plants

Similar topics

FAQ

What causes Calcium deficiency?

Acidic soils

Wild-Wuchs

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