What Causes A Flower To Have A Deformed Bloom?

Question

My gerbera daisy bloomed but was missing petals (located in a large pot on my deck). Now my purple coneflowers have the same problem! (these are located in a raised bed below the deck-picture attached). Ideas? Thank you!!

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Answer 1

I could be insect damage, early on, or it could be deficiencies in phosphorus and potassium. This is less likely, since they grow in, naturally, poor soils. The pH of the soil could be off, though. That would be the first thing that I would check.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-moisture-in-plants.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-soil.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/soil-ph-plants.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/test-soil-for-pests-and-diseases.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/making-sure-soil-drains-well.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/coneflower/growing-purple-coneflowers.htm