false sunflowers with black substance

Question

My false sunflowers get a black, almost wet or greasy, substance that appears to be bugs when closely inspected. What is this? And this occurs on the stems. How do I deal with this problem, as it happens every year? Thanks.

Answer 1

Most likely Sooty Mold. Neem Oil is a good treatment.

Here is a link that will help.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/how-to-get-rid-of-sooty-mold.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm