My petunias have become a messno nice flowers and foliage peppered with black dots. Why?
Your petunias have an infestation of budworm, small greenish larvae that feed on the contents of flower buds. The black pepper is their excrement. These pests, which are usually too small to find, can be controlled by timely application of BT or Sevin. Use these materials according to the manufacturers’ directions. Cut back your plants for rejuvenation after the insects have been controlled.
