diff --git a/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/plot_options/plot_options.py b/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/plot_options/plot_options.py
index de50d5e17b..4c1a5e6e4c 100644
--- a/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/plot_options/plot_options.py
+++ b/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/plot_options/plot_options.py
@@ -1062,6 +1062,10 @@ def _update_stretch_curve(self, msg=None):
             plane = layer_cmap(data)
 
         else:  # Color (Monochromatic)
+            if self.image_color_value is None:
+                # do not crash if image_color_value is not yet assigned,
+                # _update_stretch_curve observes image_color_value so will get called again
+                return False
             # Get color
             color = COLOR_CONVERTER.to_rgba_array(self.image_color_value)[0]
             plane = data[:, np.newaxis] * color