Comments on: Frost Damage–or Disease?

By: Michelle Ferreira

Michelle Ferreira — Fri, 30 May 2008 18:20:22 +0000

I’m sorry in that I also agree it looks like frost.

The very purpose of frost is to eliminate the environment of plant viruses and similar. It is nature’s way of sustaining balance, which is not a negative, but a positive and if we see it in that light, it becomes more acceptable & manageable. Here in South Africa (where we are severely under-estimated), we have reasonably affordable, white frost covering, protecting plants & herbs, yet allowing sufficient light. It is not the same material as that used on huge plant farms – more for the home gardener.

It works and is worth it just as much as the therapeutic value of growing for ourselves or even a small business.

Good luck!

By: Monica

Monica — Fri, 09 May 2008 12:48:42 +0000

Kathy, how are the plants looking now, a few days later? I bet they will still bloom despite the leaf situation. Let us know!
~ Monica

By: kate

kate — Fri, 09 May 2008 05:04:09 +0000

Ouch! I am sorry to hear about the frost – that looks like frost damage to me. Hopefully, that is the end of any frost in your area!

By: Marie

Marie — Thu, 08 May 2008 20:24:25 +0000

Great information! I live in Montana and the weather here is quite hard on plants. I have found that planting small plants in containers and leaving them indoors as long as possible works great. Then it works great to bury the container up to the rim in the desired spot.

With this there is no disturbing the root and that helps the plant withstand temperature changes.

By: Ottawa Gardener

Ottawa Gardener — Thu, 08 May 2008 00:58:34 +0000

The daylily looks like frost damage to me. I recognize that fainting white colour.

Hope they make a full recovery.

By: Carol, May Dreams Gardens

Carol, May Dreams Gardens — Wed, 07 May 2008 17:24:51 +0000

I’ll “third” what the others said. I think it is frost damage. If it were disease, wouldn’t you have seen signs of it before the frost?

By: extremegardener

extremegardener — Wed, 07 May 2008 02:22:52 +0000

My guess is frost, for what it’s worth. I had some similar looking damage a few nights ago on some cauliflower recently transplanted (in northern Vermont).

By: Tina

Tina — Tue, 06 May 2008 19:59:53 +0000

It sure looks like frost damage to me, but I’m far from being an expert.
I’m sorry they got nipped, but they should look better with a little good weather.