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| I planted a small bed of tall zinnias earlier in the summer (don't remember the variety) which then became badly infested with powdery mildew. I really would like to plant zinnias in that same spot again in the spring, and of course this time stay aggressively on top of the mildew by using the milk/water spray. My question to you soil experts: is the soil in this bed now contaminated with mildew spores? I am wondering if I should even attempt to grow zinnias there again. I am hoping that the powdery mildew dies as soon as the plant does. Thanks for any insight! |
Follow-Up Postings:
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- Posted by nevermore44 (My Page) on Wed, Oct 5, 11 at 11:23
| i could be wrong, but i believe it's pretty much everywhere. So it will blow in on the wind from surrounding plants. I periodically have issues with PM on zinnias. I do grow them in the same local each year. I typically just get what ever type strikes my fancy each year, so depending on your weather, growing conditions and variety you are growing... will all have a say. |
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| The spores that will become Powdery Mildew might live on plant tissue in the soil, but apparently not in the soil itself. |
Here is a link that might be useful: Powdery Mildew
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| Thanks for the helpful info, Nevermore44 and Kimmsr. I think I'll just go ahead and grow zinnias in that spot next spring and be more diligent with my prevention measures! |
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- Posted by belgianpup Wa/Zone 7b (My Page) on Wed, Oct 5, 11 at 20:20
| Also, consider looking into the Pinwheel, Profusion and Blue Point varieties of zinnias, that are supposed to be more mildew-resistant. And when you plant, try to give them a little more space for air circulation, and see if that helps at all. But in Georgia... *sigh* Sue |
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| What sue said ...... PM afflictions are more the product of cultural conditions and some of our habits than of where the spores reside, though good housekeeping can help reduce the likelihood of infection somewhat. Clean up the old leaves & stalks in the fall & rake the area. Plant in the open and in full sun where air circulation is good. Try to avoid wetting foliage as much as possible, especially late in the day when foliage won't have an opportunity to dry quickly. Fungal spores need an incubation period that includes moist conditions and a favorable temperature range for intervals that vary by species (of fungus). Denied the incubation period the fungus can't get a start. While there are some fixatives that will clear up mild cases of PM and work well as prophylactics (ask if interested), the best approach is prevention. Al |
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