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Annuals/Snap Dragons and Gerber Daisies

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Expert: - 7/12/2007


Question
I would like to know the correct way to deadhead snap dragons, do I pinch off the blooms or the round bulbs, or do nothing?  

And, I would like to know what's going on with my gerber daisies, suddenly the ones that I have planted in the back of my yard have something similar looking to a 'money stealer' (fuzzy looking thing) in the middle of the gerber flowerhead........what is it?

I live in Long Island (Valley Stream) if that helps you regarding soil, etc.  On an aside, I've ripped out a slew of impatiens because of black spots on leaves that turned yellow because of so much rain in recent weeks and was wondering if something had spread from the impatiens to the gerbers.

Answer
Pinching Snapdragons will encourage branching and new spikes.  If you deadhead after blooming, or if you cut the flowers, you get the same results.  You just need a long enough season for that to happen.

I have to say I am not clear on what the description is of your Gerbera problems.  Would you elaborate?  These are beautiful little plants, shortlived tender perennials, tres expensive -- you want to get you money's worth so let's solve it, whatever it may be.

You did not need to discard your Impatiens.  Dry weather fixes most of the Mold and Fungus problems in our gardens.  Gerbera Daisies have the usual Leafspot and Blossom Rot diseases caused by Fungi, but cures depend on knowing which one is causing it.  If you would please describe it for me with more information I may be able to i.d. it, whether it's Fungus- or insect-caused or something else.

Thanks for writing, neighbor.  rsvp

Annuals

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Long Island Gardener

Expertise

Decisions, decisions... If you can't make up your mind which Annuals to grow, you're not alone. Problem with your new flowering Annuals flats? I`ve been there, done that. Petunias, Sweet Alyssum, Larkspur, Marine Blue Lobelia -- they all grow here at my house on Garden Street on Long Island, N.Y.. Cutting and Cottage Gardens, Sun and Shade Gardens, White Gardens and Night Gardens, I`ve done them all. Annuals are the perfect summer flower, bursting with color June through fall's first frost. I can`t speak on Cactus or tender Tropical Plants -- they don`t grow outside in my Zone 7. I`m no Farmer, so I cannot guide you on Fruits and Vegetables. But whether it`s an Annual you want to start from seed, mail-order or pick up at your local garden center, I can help you grow amazing blooms this Summer. Yes, together, we can turn your neighbors green with envy.

Experience

I have a lifetime of gardening behind me here on the North Shore of Long Island. While I have degrees in related fields, there's nothing like hands-on work to build real knowledge. I stay on top of current science -- there's a boom in research, and Kingdom Plantae is filled with surprises. By the way, I really do live on Garden Street.

Publications
Gannett newspapers, The New York Times, and hundreds of others - but not on Annuals.

Education/Credentials
B.A., botany; graduate credits in European Intellectual History and Political Science; minor coursework in related fields, docent training at our local botanical gardens (required for volunteers). I'm currently working on an advanced biochemistry degree.

Awards and Honors
I could tell you, but then you'd know who I am.

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