What are these black specks on my petunias?

Answer by  Tink1712 (145)

They could be flea beatles, bud worms, some kind of fungus, or harmless dirt and insect dung. If it is an insect, apply a mild insecticide such as water mixed with dawn dish soap, and hose it off.

Answer by  Gingercakes (920)

It could be either insect related or fungus related. Petunias are pretty resilient, so I would guess you have an insect problem. Can you wipe away the specks or are they part of the plant now? Specks that can be wiped away may be pollen from a different plant.

Answer by  BrendaG (6111)

This condition may be caused from mites or potato flea beetles. Hornworm caterpillars love petunias, also, and if specks don't move it could be their droppings. A natural way to get rid of the pests is to add a couple drops of Dawn dishwashing detergent to water and spray plants.

Answer by  wmgcgirl12 (293)

It could be flea beetles or mites attacking your flowers. A good organic insecticidal soap wash will help rid you of these pests. Look for a product with pyrethrum or rotenone in it.

Answer by  memes1981 (52)

The black spects on the petunias are probably a small insect, either a mite or flea. You cannot use regular house hold bug sprays, you should only sprays that are for plants. They can be taken care of with an insecticidal soap, or with the organic chemicals pyrethrum and rotenone.

Answer by  champaign9497 (11977)

They could have gotten touched by frost that will cause it. Alot of different bugs will do that to flowers if they get on them as well. If you really are currious talk to your local greenhouse they will be able to give you a list of causes and cures for it.