Q.What Is Causing Deformities In My Sunflowers? Do I Need To Treat The Soil Before Growing Flowers Next Year?
I have grown sunflowers and zinnias all my life. This summer was particularly wet in Sevier County, Tennessee, and I imagine my problem is related to that. My sunflowers are very deformed with small, dark brown growths all over the stems. The heads on some flowers appear to be inflated with a gall-like growth. I am so disappointed, but I want to make sure this doesn’t happen again next year. Can you tell me what has infected my sunflowers, and if I should treat the soil to prevent a reoccurrence? All of my zinnias grew in a spiral fashion, and their stems became extremely woody early in the summer. Some of my cosmos also seem to be affected. My main concern is what should I do to rid my flower bed of this infestation?
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
It looks like scale insects. Horticultural oil or Neem oil should help. Here is more:
