My large begonia's that I bought from QVC are starting to bloom. I have some in one of those large barrels. I have been so excited. I have been spraying with banner maxx and mancozeb. Extremely humid here. Lots of rain and heat. The leaves on the begonia's look awful. Looks like mildew and or fungus, rust or all the above at once. I even had them covered with this huge umbrella when it rains. I can't take off the leaves like I can with other plants. What to heck do I do??? I am thinking of doing the mancozeb alone for 3 day intervals like you can do for roses with blackspot. I am at a loss. This is the first time I have begonia's. Dam, it's pouring again. Obviously having the umbrella doesn't work. I'd appreciate any help. Donna
Saw the pic. over in the garden clinic forum. Without seeing the foliage up close, it's kinda hard to tell what the problem is. Too much water? Mildew? Try posting a pic. with a better shot of the leaves, if you can.
ummm, is the planting material in the barrel holding too much water? I have found I have to load the bottom of a big barrel with styro or other big material and then plant in just maybe 1/3 of the upper portion. gives the plants room to grow w/o being in too much moisture. might change your mulch too....that black stuff might have been hiding in some of it waiting to explode. just my '2 cents'.
I also use Neem oil on mine to keep them from getting to fungus-y (I use it on Verbena too.) Plus, you can use it on roses (it's kept my roses blackspot free in Houston!)
