Troubleshooting
Pelargonium 'Deacon Barbecue' problems — and how to fix them
Pelargonium 'Deacon Barbecue' (Pelargonium 'Deacon Barbecue') 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.
Grey mould on spent blooms
The dense flower clusters hold moisture and rot. Deadhead regularly, remove faded heads, and keep air moving around the plant.
Drying out in small pots
Heavy flowering and compact root balls dry quickly in heat. Check daily in summer and water before the compost shrinks from the pot sides.
Sparse flowering
Too little light or nitrogen-heavy feeding favours leaves over blooms. Give full sun and switch to a high-potash feed.
Pelargonium rust
Brown pustules on leaf undersides spread in damp, crowded conditions. Remove affected leaves and improve airflow.
Prevent pelargonium 'deacon barbecue' problems before they start
Most pelargonium 'deacon barbecue' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for pelargonium 'deacon barbecue' in general rather than its problems? Read the full pelargonium 'deacon barbecue' care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Pelargonium 'Deacon Barbecue' problems — FAQ
Why is my pelargonium 'deacon barbecue' grey mould on spent blooms?
The dense flower clusters hold moisture and rot. Deadhead regularly, remove faded heads, and keep air moving around the plant.
Why is my pelargonium 'deacon barbecue' drying out in small pots?
Heavy flowering and compact root balls dry quickly in heat. Check daily in summer and water before the compost shrinks from the pot sides.
Why is my pelargonium 'deacon barbecue' sparse flowering?
Too little light or nitrogen-heavy feeding favours leaves over blooms. Give full sun and switch to a high-potash feed.
Why is my pelargonium 'deacon barbecue' pelargonium rust?
Brown pustules on leaf undersides spread in damp, crowded conditions. Remove affected leaves and improve airflow.