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Posted: Sep/05/2008 6:36 AM PST
Hi there! I planted pot marigolds along the front of the house, and aphids have completely annihilated them. (I cannot express strongly enough how much I dislike aphids) Now, a flower on one of the plants has started growing some sort of offshoots. I'm wondering what's going on. What are these growths? Does this deformity (if it is a deformity) have anything to do with the aphids? Any insight would be appreciated! T Attachments:  |
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Posted: Sep/05/2008 6:46 AM PST
That is weird!  Not a clue as to why and what those are 
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Posted: Sep/05/2008 9:36 AM PST
Looks like "aster yellows". The recommendation is to destroy affected plants before it can be spread to unaffected ones. It is spread by chewing bugs like leafhoppers and marigolds can be affected. http://plantpathology.tamu.edu/Texlab/Multicrop/as teryellows.html Please note that the above URL has a space in the word "aster"; I cannot correct that because it is not on the original; when you paste it, remove the space. |
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Posted: Sep/05/2008 10:57 AM PST
Stupid aphids! Never heard of that before- learn something new everyday 
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Posted: Sep/09/2008 5:34 AM PST
Aster yellows then, is it? Thanks for that link. From the description on the Web page it sounds like this might be what's affecting the calendula plant. The offshoots are now growing from the seeds of a second flower on the same plant. So, the plant goes. Blast. I was trying to set up a seriously low-maintenance garden that my mother (who is 59) will be able to enjoy after I leave town next year. (She loves flowers but can't even be bothered to weed.) Ok, so any suggestions on low-low-low-maintenance flowers? Bugs don't like 'em, aphids avoid 'em, that sort of thing? There's no such thing is there? Ah well. Thx for the info! T |
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Posted: Sep/09/2008 5:48 AM PST
I have found Melampodium to be a great reseeding annual - really acts like a perennial it is so dependable, but the plants are all new from seed the second year. For some reason it is not easily found in stores, but you do come across it now and then. http://www.floridata.com/ref/m/mela_div.cfm Of course daylilies are a great low maintenance perennial and there are so many reblooming cultivars now. |
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Posted: Sep/10/2008 5:57 PM PST
how about lantana for low maintenance plantings? The butterflies just love it! Mine just grow and grow, and sometimes make it through the winter. SMR |
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Posted: Sep/10/2008 6:00 PM PST
I let some late season milkweed thrive in my garden for the catterpillars. Every milkweed is completely covered with aphids! I really want to spray them, but I figure that will be bad for the butterfly catterpillars. Let me know as soon as it is a good time to spray and the catterpillars are safely sleeping!!! Attachments:  |
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Posted: Sep/10/2008 6:29 PM PST
The caterpillar eggs are on the back of the leaves. If you don't see any babies on the leaves, just take your hose and spray the aphids off. |
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Posted: Sep/10/2008 7:06 PM PST
The caterpillars are walking around eating the leaves right now. I did not realize that many of them would still be just eggs now. |
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