Problem with Geranium

Hi all,

I have a problem with 2 of the Geraniums in the back garden, I think it is powdery mildew.

Could anyone confirm, and advise on best course of action please.



Thanks.

 

Now thats early in the year to have, normally caused by being too dry but saying that I do have one area that does dry out quickly . I know thats sounds crazy with all the rain we have had over winter but past 4 weeks of very drying winds can quickly happen.

What conditions are they growing in ? very sheltered with over hanging trees .

If me I would water then mulch the area they are in and give a good water again

Spruce

 

Open garden in mostly full sun, very well drained and can get dry, did not have any issues last year. It has rained well at night a couple of times the last few nights, but will do as you suggest.

There are more Geraniums very close by (although a different flavour) that are fine and show no signs, the 2 affected plants are healthy enough, other than the mildew, do you think I should cut out the effected bits? It will knock back flowering, but I would rather the plants health.

Thanks.

 

Different varieties, some get mildew other not as much, have you used any fertilizer on then recently as they are growing away quite quickly and look very lush for Early April ? also probably need splitting so you get more air flow around them.

I would pull off the leaves rather than cut them off they pulled leaves will heal quicker than being cut, have you any rose fungicide that you could spay on ?

Spruce

 

My thoughts too

 

@Spruce and @Freddy ,

Thanks for the replies.

They have not been split for 2 years (when they were planted), I usually split my perennials in their 3rd year from planting, (these would be split at the end of this season) not used any fertilizer on them yet. When I do it is my own compost tea.

At the moment they have plenty of space around them (airflow), they have really shot up over the last 2 weeks tho'. (As is everything else)

Any suggestions on a natural cure? My 'tea' usually keeps most things healthy, but over the years I have found that Geraniums prefer not to be fed too much, dead heading seems to keep them flowering with no issues, and they seem to tolerate the drier conditions some of my garden offers.

I hope that didn't sound dismissive, 'cause I value all opinions shared here, I am trying to address your points, and sometimes can write as if I was being bolshy.

 

Steve, nothing wrong with your reply

Although there might be plenty of space around them, the plant itself looks quite compact. I'd be tempted to be a bit drastic by cutting it all down, separating it up and replanting. They're pretty tough imo, and should be fine. I'm no expert, but that's what I'd do

 

When I was little my mum would spray the gooseberries with milk if they had mildew ? it would clear it up thats a fact

 

I heard something similar with Yogurt?