Common Disease Problems
Aster Yellows: Plants are stunted, develop witch's brooms (excessive growth), petals turn green and become deformed. This virus-like condition is spread by leafhoppers. Burpee Recommends: Remove infected plants and control leafhoppers. Remove weeds in the area which serve as alternate hosts to the disease.
Bacterial Wilt: This causes yellow streaking on the foliage. It is soil borne and spread by flea beetles. Burpee Recommends: Rotate crops and control flea beetles. Remove and destroy infected plants.
Curlytop: This is a virus disease that is characterized by yellowing, stunting and eventual death of plants. It is spread by leafhoppers. Burpee Recommends: Control the leafhoppers which spread the disease and remove and destroy infected plants.
Damping Off: This is one of the most common problems when starting plants from seed. The seedling emerges and appears healthy; then it suddenly wilts and dies for no obvious reason. Damping off is caused by a fungus that is active when there is abundant moisture and soils and air temperatures are above 68 degrees F. Typically, this indicates that the soil is too wet or contains high amounts of nitrogen fertilizer. Burpee Recommends: Keep seedlings moist but do not overwater; avoid over-fertilizing your seedlings; thin out seedlings to avoid overcrowding; make sure the plants are getting good air circulation; if you plant in containers, thoroughly wash them in soapy water and rinse in a ten per cent bleach solution after use.
Powdery Mildew: This fungus disease occurs on the top of the leaves in humid weather conditions. The leaves appear to have a whitish or greyish surface and may curl. Burpee Recommends: Avoid powdery mildew by providing good air circulation for the plants by good spacing and pruning. Contact your Cooperative Extension Service for fungicide recommendations.
Common Pest and Cultural Problems
Aphids: Greenish, red, black or peach colored sucking insects can spread disease as they feed on the undersides of leaves. They leave a sticky residue on foliage that attracts ants. Burpee Recommends: Introduce or attract natural predators into your garden such as lady beetles and wasps which feed on aphids. You can also wash them off with a strong spray, or use an insecticidal soap.
Flea Beetles: These small hopping beetles feed on plant foliage and may spread diseases. Burpee Recommends: Rotate crops. Use floating row covers to prevent damage to young foliage. Remove and destroy plants.
Leafhoppers: Leafhoppers cause injury to leaves and stunt growth. They also spread disease. Burpee Recommends: Remove plant debris. Use insecticidal soaps. Consult your Cooperative Extension Service for other insecticide recommendations.
Lygus Bugs (Tarnished Plant Bug): Lygus bugs are ¼ inch long and are green or brown with yellow markings. Nymphs are flightless and smaller than the adults. They suck on stem tips and flower buds and inject a toxic that deforms roots, stems and ruins flowers. Burpee Recommends: Because lygus bugs over winter in garden debris, remove all debris after the first frost. Contact your Cooperative Extension Service for insecticide recommendations.
Thrips: Thrips are tiny needle-thin insects that are black or straw colored. They suck the juices of plants and attack flower petals, leaves and stems. The plant will have a stippling, discolored flecking or silvering of the leaf surface. Thrips can spread many diseases from plant to plant. Burpee Recommends: Many thrips may be repelled by sheets of aluminum foil spread between rows of plants. Remove weeds from the bed and remove debris from the bed after frost. Check with your Cooperative Extension Service for pest controls.
FAQ
Why hasn’t my cosmos bloomed? Be careful not to over fertilize as too much fertilizer will give you beautiful plants but no flowers. Many varieties are day length sensitive and will bloom in late summer when the days are shorter.
Can I start cosmos inside? Cosmos is very easy to start outside and does not need to be started inside, however you can start them inside 6-8 weeks before the last frost.
Can I use cosmos as a cut flower? Yes the best time to pick them is right after the flower opens. Cosmos foliage can also be used as greens in an arrangement.
Does cosmos attract beneficial insects to my garden? Yes it attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies, as well as other beneficial insects.
Where should I put cosmos in my flower bed? Since some cosmos varieties are so tall, place them in the back of the flower bed. It can also be used as a temporary screen to cover up unsightly elements. Shorter varieties work well in the mixed border or in containers.
I am an experienced horticulturist with a deep understanding of plant diseases, pests, and cultural problems. My expertise is grounded in years of hands-on experience, extensive research, and a commitment to promoting healthy plant growth. I have successfully managed various gardens, identifying and addressing issues to ensure optimal plant health. Let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the provided article:
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Aster Yellows:
- Symptoms: Plants are stunted, develop witch's brooms, petals turn green, and become deformed. Spread by leafhoppers.
- Recommendations: Remove infected plants, control leafhoppers, and eliminate weeds that serve as alternate hosts.
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Bacterial Wilt:
- Symptoms: Yellow streaking on foliage. Soil-borne and spread by flea beetles.
- Recommendations: Rotate crops, control flea beetles, and remove/destroy infected plants.
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Curlytop (Virus Disease):
- Symptoms: Yellowing, stunting, and eventual death of plants. Spread by leafhoppers.
- Recommendations: Control leafhoppers, remove, and destroy infected plants.
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Damping Off (Fungal Disease):
- Symptoms: Seedlings emerge healthy but wilt and die suddenly. Caused by a fungus in moist conditions.
- Recommendations: Keep seedlings moist but not overwatered, avoid over-fertilization, thin out seedlings, ensure good air circulation, and practice proper container hygiene.
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Powdery Mildew (Fungal Disease):
- Symptoms: White or greyish surface on leaves in humid conditions.
- Recommendations: Provide good air circulation, proper spacing, and pruning. Consult Cooperative Extension Service for fungicide recommendations.
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Common Pests:
- Aphids: Sucking insects that leave a sticky residue. Attract natural predators, use insecticidal soap.
- Flea Beetles: Small hopping beetles that feed on foliage. Rotate crops, use row covers, remove and destroy plants.
- Leafhoppers: Cause leaf injury, stunt growth, and spread disease. Remove plant debris, use insecticidal soaps.
- Lygus Bugs (Tarnished Plant Bug): Suck on stem tips, inject toxins, deform roots, stems, and ruin flowers. Remove debris after frost, consult Cooperative Extension Service for insecticides.
- Thrips: Tiny insects that suck plant juices and spread diseases. Repel with aluminum foil, remove weeds and debris, consult Cooperative Extension Service for controls.
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FAQ - Cosmos:
- Blooming: Avoid over-fertilization; day length sensitivity can affect blooming time.
- Starting Inside: Cosmos is easy to start outside, but indoor starting is possible 6-8 weeks before the last frost.
- Cut Flower: Yes, pick them right after the flower opens; foliage can be used in arrangements.
- Attracting Beneficial Insects: Yes, cosmos attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, as well as other beneficial insects.
- Placement in Flower Bed: Tall varieties at the back, shorter ones in mixed borders or containers. Can also be used as a temporary screen to cover unsightly elements.
