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Cosmos problems

mariepcurleymariepcurley Posts: 4
in Problem solving
I have planted young cosmos plants in a thick compost layer in a new no dig bed.The tops of the plants have gone scaly and strange. I’ve noticed the growth on the top of my feverfew plants are thickening and similar. Does anyone know why this might be happening. Is it a disease or might the compost ( which is supposed to be an organic mulch which I bought in) the problem although other plants in the bed are ok. I grew these plants from seed and others in the batch planted elsewhere seem fine.
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  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    If it's a mulch, then it's not the same thing as compost. You can use compost as a mulch, but as far as l know you can't use a mulch as compost. 
    I think that it's something in the mulch that is affecting the cosmos etc, with luck someone can confirm that's the case.
  • BenCottoBenCotto Posts: 4,718
    For a better look


    Rutland, England
  • mariepcurleymariepcurley Posts: 4
    Thanks Ben That picture is much clearer.🌼
  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,618
    It looks like weedkiller damage.  Where did you get the mulch from?

  • Shauna2021Shauna2021 Posts: 53
    It looks quite a lot like my deformed cosmos, which I think (but definitely do not know) is weedkiller damage so will be interested in any responses: 
  • mariepcurleymariepcurley Posts: 4
    Hi Shauna, the damage is exactly the same. I have completed a lot of internet research since my first post and definitely think it is damage from aminopyralid residue in compost. Unfortunately Ihave used this compost which had cow manure as a constituent all through my newly planted flower bed and am seeing signs of damage in several plants which I have lovingly grown from seed and all my new dahlias😪.Some other plants like foxgloves still look ok but for how long? I have 2 ton bags left which I was going to use to improve other areas of my garden(definitely not happening now) I will be contacting the seller but it is difficult to prove. Could anyone give me advice. Do I need to strip all this compost off my border, destroy the plants and start again or could I just take out affected plants and hope the problem in the compost will gradually be destroyed/ broken down  by soil bacteria etc.It is very frustrating after all my hard work,I was so looking forward to a colourful summer border. This aminopyralid problem seems to be commonplace now ,even in branded composts particularly as the peat content is often being replaced by manures. It’s definitely taking the joy out of gardening.
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    edited July 2022
    It's not something I have any experience of I'm relieved to say, but if the compost/mulch was causing the problem wouldn't the whole plant be affected rather than just the tops of the plants?
    From the photos it looks like just the top growth has been damaged which would happen if weedkiller had been used in the vicinity and some had blown onto the plants.

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • mariepcurleymariepcurley Posts: 4
    No weed killer has been used near these plants. From my research Pete, the problems often only appear weeks after planting and particularly in the the new growth stems and flowering buds which are deformed.Charles Dowdiing has made some videos on it as it is a growing problem in veg gardens particularly no dig. Each type of plant can respond differently, some wither or go yellow.
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    Ah! fair enough.
    There seem to be a lot of issues this year in particular regarding peat-free composts, manure and mulches.
    Not good news for us gardeners!

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • bcpathomebcpathome Posts: 1,313
    I agree with you ,peat free compost seems to just be ground up bits of tree bark in my experience .It’s useless .
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