What Is Wrong With My Salsify?

Are there any white blisters on the undersides of the leaves?

Do the leaves have holes?

Are the plants underdeveloped due to weeds?

Are the leaves curled and distorted?

If there are white blisters on the undersides of the leaves the culprit is a fungal disease White rust. Destroy infected leaves or plants. Prevent problems by thinning plants to increase air circulation and by planting tolerant cultivars.

Salsify can be attacked by slugs or caterpillars that chew the leaves creating the appearance of holes on the leaves. These pests may affect the optimal growth of the plant. To control slugs use diatomaceous earth around your plants. You can also handpick them during the night or use shallow dishes filled with beer as a trap. Handpick and destroy caterpillars, or spray plants with BTK if caterpillars are feeding.

To reduce weeds without chemicals, cultivate often when weeds are small, practice crop rotation, and mulch around plants with grass clippings, straw, or newspapers. Cultivate shallowly and avoid root pruning to ensure uninterrupted growth.

Distorted and curled leaves 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. Insecticidal soap should be used with severe infestations.

If salsify plant sends up a flower stalk (bolting) the probable cause is extreme temperatures or long days. Discard bolted plants. Prevent problems by covering plants with row cover until temperatures are stable. Sow or plant at the correct time and keep the soil or compost moist.