I've done what I thought was previously impossible… I've failed to grow nasturtiums!
I'm hoping the knowledgeable people in this group might be able to help me identify what's happening to my nasturtiums and salvia. I thought it was perhaps fungal from overwatering, so watered less, and now I think the plants are possibly experiencing both a fungus AND water stress. Lovely. Top notch gardening 😅
The nasturtiums had some bleached-looking discolouration as well as blue-ish, curling leaves starting from the extremities. The Salvia is absolutely decimated, lots of powdery-looking grey business on the leaves and stunted growth. It was previously a little bush, has slowly died back over the last few months and every attempt at new growth becomes affected by the Greyness.
They're in pots that had tomatoes in them last summer, and potentially a previous summer season or two before, and I wonder if this could have contributed to it.
We're based in Narrm/Melbourne, and they're on the eastern side of a north/south fence.
Any help greatly appreciated 🍄
by meep_morp_666
6 Comments
Looks like mag deficiency maybe for the nasturtiums
Do a light fertilizer, some magnesium (Epsom salts), and check the soil ph level
I don’t have any gardening advice, just wanted to say I’m sure there are far more embarrassing potential fails involving fungal issues. You’re fine.
I grow salvias and my nasturtiums terrorize my yard this time of year and both get by with very little water and both are effected so maybe your are spot on and that is the issue. Being on the eastern side of that fence you would think they get plenty of sunshine. Have you had heaps of rain recently or are they somewhere where loose water pools??
Checking the soil ph level would not hurt to see if it just happens to be something crazy. One thing to rule out.
Or possibly have they been exposed to a strong frost, given the time of year??
imo it’s worth filling plastic pots almost to the top, so the base of the plant is exposed to good airflow, which might help avoid fungal issues.
Are these in a shaded position? The salvias look like they’ve been too wet and shaded, which has allowed some fungal issues to creep in. And is the potting mix old? It’s best to refresh the potting mix when putting new plants in, otherwise pathogens and pests can be spread to the next plant.
The salvias have been stricken by the fungal disease powdery mildew, usually caused by lack of airflow and/or humid conditions.
They’ll likely bounce back alright if you treat them – some people spray diluted milk, or lime sulphur, I prefer a powder called Mancozeb as you get immediate results.
Very common issue and treatable, we’ve all had it!
https://www.yates.com.au/garden-hub/powdery-mildew/