Why are buds turning brown and falling off?
This is most likely a fungus. A brown circle forms at the base of a flower bud where it meets the stem. Before long the entire bud turns brown and falls off. This tends to be a larger problem in wet weather. Losing a few buds in a normal year is common and not a big deal. A long wet growing season can cause significant loss. Fungicides can help prevent further infection but won’t reverse existing brown damage. The best defense is a good offense. The vines should be uncrowded so air can can flow through. More sun exposure is better. Avoid getting the leaves wet if watering. Giving the vines a good balance of fertilizer elements to grow strong blooms will help too.
This is most likely a fungus. A brown circle forms at the base of a flower bud where it meets the stem. Before long the entire bud turns brown and falls off. This tends to be a larger problem in wet weather. Losing a few buds in a normal year is common and not a big deal. A long wet growing season can cause significant loss. Fungicides like Daconil® or neem oil can help prevent further infection but won’t reverse existing brown damage. The best defense is a good offense. The vines should be uncrowded so air can flow through. More sun exposure is better. Avoid getting the leaves wet when watering. Giving the vines a good balance of fertilizer elements to grow strong blooms will help too.
