powdery mildew on zinnia leaves

Watch Reply
More
Mark unread Print Skip to new
milesdt Pulaski, GA Jun 08, 2015

I researched what to do about powdery mildew on my zinnia leaves. I looked for organic treatments. The 3 that I found were: neem oil, solution of water/skim milk, solution of water/baking soda.. Today I spritzed the leaves with the milk solution. Has anybody had this problem and used one of these solutions? What were the results?

Post #10090446
Quote
Diana_K Contra Costa County, CA(Zone 9b) Jun 08, 2015

Baking soda can work, but do not use it too often (once or twice a year is OK). the sodium and the bicarbonate are not good in the soil.

Post #10090452
Quote
Sequoiadendron4 Lititz, PA(Zone 6b) Jun 09, 2015

Spraying with Neem oil can inhibit the powdery mildew. I've also read that a milk and water solution can help prevent it.

Post #10090632
Quote
MaypopLaurel Cleveland,GA/Atlanta, GA(Zone 7b) Jun 09, 2015

I've used both years ago but eventually went to daconil. Not organic but less noxious than many organics. Neem kills beneficials too so, though it has fungicidal properties, I don't find it to be a treatment of choice when there is not an insect issue.

The idea behind milk is that it coats the leaf and mildew and prevents or restricts metabolism of fungi. The problem is the leaf must be kept coated so dew, rain or watering undoes the benefit. This did not work for me since I live part time at my garden. If you are able to keep up with the milk method you can use powdered milk mixed as directed. Much cheaper.

Post #10090649
Quote
Sequoiadendron4 Lititz, PA(Zone 6b) Jun 09, 2015

I used daconil last year on my monarda and it still got PM real bad. I sprayed it at the first notice of PM. Perhaps I waited too long? Or should I have sprayed it more than once?

Post #10090676
Quote
MaypopLaurel Cleveland,GA/Atlanta, GA(Zone 7b) Jun 09, 2015

None is a cure once the problem is evident. Daconil inhibits the spread of mildew and hopefully extends harvest. Often plants are compromised from one problem then succumb to another. It's a gardener's lot. :)

Post #10090689
Quote
Sequoiadendron4 Lititz, PA(Zone 6b) Jun 09, 2015

Oh ok, thanks. It is what it is I guess. After the monarda stopped blooming last year, I just cut it to the ground. That was probably beginning of September and the plant did fine this year so far.

Post #10090691
Quote

Post a Reply to this Thread

Please or sign up to post.
Back to Forum Homepage

More Beginner Gardening Threads

Go to all Beginner Gardening threads
BACK TO TOP