Stocks With Speckled Leaves (UK)

Question

I’m quite new to be gardening. I’ve grown a number of stocks from seed and transferred them outside a few weeks ago. They continued to grow and were very happy. I noticed some specks on the leaves and originally thought it was supposed to be that way, but now some of the spots are turning into little holes holes. The plants also seem less happy. It’s hard to find any information on Google because everything seems to suggest this powderY mildew, but the specks are not powdery. What is it? What should I do??

Answer 1

This is one of many fungal diseases. They can be caused by high humidity, splashing water on the leaves, or infected soils splashing up on the plant. Drip irrigation, or watering, only, the base of the plant will be one way to avoid future infections. Making sure the soil dries out thoroughly down to 2 or 3 inches between watering will help, also.

Treat with a fungicide, as soon as possible.

These articles will help:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/stock/growing-stock-flowers.htm