# What Kills Zinnia Mold?
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Symptoms
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Powdery mildew is a common disease to both food crops and ornamental crops. Symptoms of mold and mildew on zinnias are obvious. During late summer or early fall, the foliage contracts a white to gray powdery film that coats both the tops and undersides of leaves. This condition starts at the base of the plant and works its way up towards the flower if untreated. As these diseases progress, stems are covered with the same powdery coating. Spores of these diseases are easily spread when temperatures rise above 75 degrees Fahrenheit and humidity raises above 85 percent.
Prevention
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Overhead watering should be avoided as it can help spread fungal diseases. The best way to prevent mold on zinnia species is to keep it from forming in the first place. When watering Zinnia, do not allow foliage to get wet. Wet the soil and root zone only. When planting, give each plant plenty of room to allow for good air circulation. Disease-resistant varieties of zinnias exist. Some species that have shown resistance to mold and mildew include Zinnia angustifolia, Zinnia haageana, Zinnia elegans and crosses between Zinnia elegans and Zinnia angustifolia such as "Profusion" and "Zahara."
Control
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Baking soda has been used for decades as an organic control of molds. A wide range of both synthetic and organic controls are available to kill and control mold and mildew on zinnias. Traditional chemical controls include fungicides that contain chlorothalonil or mancozeb can be sprayed at five- to seven-day intervals. The same sprays can be used for prevention on seven- to 10-day intervals. Organic or naturally derived fungicides for mold include those containing sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate and extracts from the neem tree in India.
Proper Care
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Zinnias can be started from seed or planted as transplants. Zinnias can be effectively grown reducing the chances of contracting mold and mildew. Make sure that the site selected for zinnias receives full sun and is in soil that is well drained. Deadhead zinnias often. Removing the spent blossoms on a regular basis encourages continual bloom and a healthy plant. For best results, incorporate peat moss or compost into the top 2 to 3 inches of soil, and make sure to fertilize zinnias at least twice during the growing season to keep them healthy and blooming.
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