Question From: K. Bradish - CALIFORNIA
Q: Hi. There are many buds on my roses but when they start to open all the petals are gone and its kinda blackish stuff is on them. Can you help me out please? Thank you Kathy
A:
I believe your roses have botrytis blight. Cutting off infected buds is one way of dealing with it. The spores are easily spread, so seal them in a plastic bag. Also be sure to wipe the blades of your pruners with alcohol after every cut. To much nitrogen fertilizer encourages it. So does overhead watering. A fungicide called Soap-Shield is the kindest to the environment. It's available on Amazon. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy.
