Planting Flora: Reasons for Immediate Attention
Title: Managing Septoria Leaf Spot in Black-Eyed Susan Plants
Black-eyed Susan owners are concerned about brown spots appearing on their healthy plants, and they're not alone. Southern Living's Grumpy Gardener, Steve Bender, addresses this issue in the latest episode of his podcast, Ask Grumpy. The problem appears to be caused by a fungus called Septoria leaf spot.
The fungus usually begins at the base of the plant and progresses as water splashes on the leaves. This fungus poses a particular threat to the popular Goldsterm variety of black-eyed Susan. To combat this disease, Bender recommends the following steps:
- Clear out the old debris: At the end of the fall season, cut the plants to the ground and dispose of all the old leaves and stems, as the fungal spores overwinter on plant debris.
- Apply a liquid copper fungicide: In the following growing season, if new leaf spots appear, spray the plants with a fungicide according to label directions.
- Avoid wetting the foliage: When watering, try to avoid getting water on the foliage as it can spread the disease.
- Invest in resistant hybrids: If planning to plant black-eyed Susan this year, consider purchasing a disease-resistant hybrid like American Gold Rush, which boasts more flowers, nicer foliage, and compact growth.
For those who haven't planted their warm-weather annuals and perennials yet, now is the time to do so. Given the impending hotter summer, these plants will require more frequent watering and around-plant mulching to conserve moisture.
Ask Grumpy is a podcast featuring Steve Bender, a.k.a. Southern Living's Grumpy Gardener. In each short episode, Bender offers practical advice on what to plant, when to plant, and how to manage various garden issues. Tune in for new episodes every Wednesday and Saturday.
For gardening enthusiasts looking to understand Septoria leaf spot in more detail, consider implementing preventative measures such as improving air circulation, avoiding wetting the leaves, sanitizing, mulching, and choosing resistant varieties. Additionally, prompt treatment with a copper-based fungicide, homemade remedies, and pruning can help combat the disease. Regular monitoring for pests and early signs of disease is also crucial.
- To handle Septoria leaf spot, a common issue affecting Black-Eyed Susan plants, listeners of the Ask Grumpy podcast, hosted by Steve Bender of Southern Living, might find useful advice in the latest episode.
- Steve Bender, affectionately known as Southern Living's Grumpy Gardener, not only suggests home-and-garden solutions for managing various garden issues but also shares valuable insights on lifestyle topics like gardening.
- Considering the upcoming summer season, in addition to managing Septoria leaf spot, it's crucial for gardeners to maintain their home-and-garden by watering frequently, implementing around-plant mulching, and selecting disease-resistant varieties like American Gold Rush for their Black-Eyed Susan plants.
