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mildew on begonias
Christine 28
Posts: 46
Having a major problem with mildew this year. The plants affected are all begonias. Exhibition quality begonias in the greenhouse are badly affected and the ones not showing mildew at the moment are not growing very well. Pendula begonias in hanging baskets although flowering well are badly infected on the leaves and some of the ones in the ground are affected too. I am hoping this is just a bad year for me. Is anyone else having similar problems?
I live in the north west, Burnley area, which is a damp region but have not had an outbreak like this before. I have been growing begonias successfully for years. Anyone else suffering in a similar way?
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I'm having a similar problem with a few plants this year due to the drought in the South. Not sure if I've been slacking on watering or what. Keep the roots moist at all times & try a 70% water 30% milk spray.
Thanks for that I will give it a try. I have been spraying them with a mildew control chemical but not seen any signs of improvement yet.
Overcrowding could certainly have been the cause in the greenhouse. Not sure about the outdoor ones though.
I'm in Paris and my begonias are also really slow and struggling this year. Weird thing is mum in Scotland is also having problems high hers this year! Can't be coincidence that so many of us are having problems with the same plants this year.
Blame the weather.
Big temperature swings this time of year are often the cause of mildew. After a hot humid day, when the sun disappears and it's a clear cool night, condensation forms and the conditions are just right for mildew to get hold.
My sweet p's were a mess a week or so ago while we were having a really hot spell. It's been cooler for the last week and now they're flowering again and generally looking healthier.
Billericay - Essex
Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
Thanks for all the advice and suggestions. I think the weather this year has had a lot to do with it. Now trying a different proprietary mildew treatment which is showing some positive results on the few I have tried, still have a lot more to treat but raining here (again) so task on hold!