What Is Wrong With My California Poppy?

Are the leaves discolored, fine webbing may be present on the leaves?

Are the leaves covered in coarse stippling and may appear silvery?

Are the leaves, stems, and buds distorted, sticky with clusters of small insects on them?

Do the leaves have pale areas on upper surfaces and "downy" patches underneath?

Are the leaves covered with white powder?

Are the stems, crowns, and/or roots rotted, leaves are wilting?

Spider mites are known to cause problems for California poppy. You can control spider mites by spraying plants thoroughly with water 2-3 times a day for several days. For severe infestations, spray plants with insecticidal soap or pyrethrin.

These symptoms indicate thrips. Thrips are tiny, yellow to black flying insects. They hide under the leaves. Severely infected plant parts should be removed and destroyed. Control thrips by introducing lady beetles or lacewings, their natural predators. Insecticidal soap helps in severe infestations.

Distorted leaves, stems and buds are caused by aphids. These tiny insects cluster under leaves and on growing tips where they feed on plant sap. Leaves, stems, and buds get distorted and later leaves and flowers drop from the plant. You can control them by washing them off the plant with water spray. Introducing their natural predators will keep their number low. Insecticidal soap should be used only with severe infestations.

Pale areas on upper surfaces of the leaves and "downy" patches underneath are caused by Downy mildew. This fungus spreads quickly during cool, wet nights and warm, humid days. Leaves will wilt and die. Remove and destroy all affected plant parts and encourage good air circulation around plants by thining them. Water plants early in the morning to make sure they dry before nightfall.

White, powdery patches on the leaves are caused by a fungal disease Powdery mildew. Powdery mildew usually appears in damp places. Encourage good air circulation around the affected plants by thining them and any surrounding plants. Avoid wetting the foliage when watering. Any affected leaves should be cut off and removed. A fungicidal spray may be necessary to protect your plant from further infections.

These flowers are susceptible to several Stem, Crown, or Root rot diseases. Crown injury and excess moisture increase the chances of infection. Choose well-drained sites. Add organic matter to improve soil drainage. Remove and discard infected plants and the surrounding soil.

Dead blotches on leaves and flowers are symptoms that indicate a fungal disease - Botrytis blight. You can prevent Botrytis blight disease by planting flowers in areas with good air circulation. Water plants sparsely. Heavily infected plants should be removed. Spray weekly with a copper fungicide until the disease is under control.