But sometimes, things can go wrong even when you feel like you’ve done all the hard yards. That is often the case with the flower drop or blossom drop phenomenon.
This occurs when flowers or buds, which seem healthy and thriving, suddenly or gradually fall off the plant, either in clusters or one by one. This is a highly disappointing moment for any gardener, and it can often end up feeling like a helpless situation. But as is the case with all gardening problems, there is a solution!
So, if you want to safeguard your flowers against blossom drops, then read on and find out what you can do.
Why flowers drop?
1. Natural Blossom Drop:
The first thing to know is that it is normal for a few vegetables. For example, the male flower growing on the squash plant falls off just two weeks before a female flower grows. But these cases are usually the exception and not the rule.
2. Lack of Pollination:
Most flower drops happen due to a lack of pollination. You can notice this, especially in blooms. If some buds around your garden are blooming and others fall off, it’s because they didn’t get pollinated.
3. High or Low Temperature:
This can happen due to high daytime temperatures or freezing nighttime temperatures. The cold affects newly set blooms more than anything else and always prevents pollinators from really doing their job.
4. Infertile Soil:
If the temperatures in your region are fine, then look at your soil. If the soil is infertile or doesn’t have enough nutrients to support new blossoms, then they will simply fall off. Learn the ways to prepare healthy garden soil.
5. Thrips or Pests Attack:
Finally, there are the thrips. These are pests that specifically target new buds and feed on petals. It’s hard to see them with the naked eye, but you will definitely be able to see their telltale blotching and streaking on the plant. Read about type of insect pests in your garden.
How to stop flower drops?
1. Monitor Temperature Fluctuations:
The first thing to be done is to monitor the temperatures. Anything above 29C or below 12C will result in flower drop. So, if you live in such an area, then build plastic or wooden temperature-controlled shade for your plants.
2. Check Soil pH Level:
Next, check the pH level of your soil and see if it matches up to the description at the back of the seed packet. If you feel that your soil lacks nutrients, then add a layer of compost or slow-release fertilizer.
3. Keep Soil Evenly Moist:
Also, always ensure that the soil is kept evenly moist. It shouldn’t be retaining too much water and getting soggy, but it shouldn’t be too dry as well. Mulch helps in regulating this process. Understand Mulching.
4. Use of Natural Pesticides:
Finally, when dealing with pests, use pesticides that are environmental friendly and natural or pick off the affected buds before the problem spreads. You may like to read about natural pest control methods.
With these tips, you’ll stop flower drops soon!
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