Troubleshooting
Honesty problems — and how to fix them
Honesty (Lunaria annua) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Club root
A Brassicaceae family soil-borne fungal disease causing swollen, distorted roots and wilting. Raise soil pH above 7.0 with lime, avoid growing in the same spot in successive years, and use transplants grown in sterile compost.
Slugs and snails
Young seedlings and emerging spring growth are prime targets. Use iron-phosphate pellets, copper tape around raised beds, or evening patrols. Mulch lightly to avoid providing slug habitat.
Powdery mildew in dry summers
White coating on leaves in warm, dry conditions exacerbated by poor soil moisture. Maintain consistent watering and improve airflow. Remove affected leaves promptly.
Prevent honesty problems before they start
Most honesty issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Honesty problems — FAQ
Why is my honesty club root?
A Brassicaceae family soil-borne fungal disease causing swollen, distorted roots and wilting. Raise soil pH above 7.0 with lime, avoid growing in the same spot in successive years, and use transplants grown in sterile compost.
Why is my honesty slugs and snails?
Young seedlings and emerging spring growth are prime targets. Use iron-phosphate pellets, copper tape around raised beds, or evening patrols. Mulch lightly to avoid providing slug habitat.
Why is my honesty powdery mildew in dry summers?
White coating on leaves in warm, dry conditions exacerbated by poor soil moisture. Maintain consistent watering and improve airflow. Remove affected leaves promptly.