Re: [gardeners] Dahlia woes
Margaret Lauterbach (gardeners@globalgarden.com)
Thu, 29 Aug 2002 09:17:45 -0600
That sounds likely to me. Someone mentioned a possible fungus. In case it
is a fungus, why don't you spray them with 1/3 skim milk, 2/3 water? If
it's a fungus the milk will kill it. If it's not, no harm. Plants seem to
like the milk anyway. Margaret L
>The temperatures you describe are our normal summer weather only with
>higher humidity. Most of our
>annuals have turned brown at the bottom and middle by now with the stem
>still green and the blooms
>still on them. It's a natural thing here what with the heat. I've never
>seen a virus on them do that
>unless they get wrinkled, striped, etc. as viruses do first.
>
>Could it just be summer wilt?
>
>George
>
>pennyx1@juno.com wrote:
> >
> > Every summer I grow 9 very tall and prolific dahlias in front
> > of a hedge of Upright Yews lined against the house,
> > ESE exposure, 6 hours of FULL sun. Seven of them
> > always survive the winter (zone 6) altho they should not,
> > and return each spring with vigor.
> >
> > This year they were all hit with a virus which I have not been
> > able to contain. The tops are still blooming away; the middles
> > and bottoms are decimated. And to my surprise, several of
> > them have sprung fresh stalks from the bottom!
> >
> > This has been a summer of total drought, with temps at
> > 94* for weeks, and humidity at 75%. The dahlias were
> > watered the normal way: being on the edge of a big flower
> > bed with drip irrigation, they received a low level drip
> > 3 times a day, for 10 minutes. They never wilted, they
> > never rotted -- in fact, the tops are luxurient.
> >
> > Nonetheless, with 2/3rds of the leaves having turned
> > brown (but clinging), they look atrocious.
> >
> > Any suggestions...? Do I pull them all out and
> > fumigate...???
> >
> > Penny, NY
> >
> > .
> >
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