Is Carbaryl Safe for Petunias?

Basics

• Petunias grow in full sun to partial shade. Home gardeners often use them in beds, borders, edging or even planted in masses as ground cover. In addition, petunias work well in hanging baskets or other containers. Some people even grow them indoors in sun rooms in the winter. However, most people plant them outside. They are winter hardy in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10 to 11.

Carbaryl and Petunias

• Carbaryl is an insecticide also known as 1-naphthol N-methylcarbamate and Sevin. Although carbaryl is one of the recommended insecticides to use to combat the Colorado potato beetle and other insects that sometimes attack petunias, carbaryl is a highly toxic chemical. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ranks carbaryl at the level of highest hazard as both a long-term health hazard for humans and as a hazard to birds, bees or pets, according to "A Consumer Guide to Lawn and Garden Products." Moreover, carbaryl also kills a variety of other beneficial insects that live above and below ground along with killing earthworms. Although carbaryl poses a risk to humans, pets and beneficial insects, it does not harm petunias.

Insecticides

• Despite the fact that carbaryl is safe for petunias, its high toxicity to other living organisms means it is not desirable for use on petunias. Since carbaryl is toxic to beneficial insects, along with being highly toxic to humans if inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through the skin, some other less toxic insecticides are preferred for use on petunias. For example, Fort Valley University College of Agriculture suggests using the less toxic Malathion on petunias if aphids are a problem. Carbaryl has long-term health problems. It is a neurotoxin, meaning it can cause harm to the brain and central nervous system. In addition, it can interfere with the normal development of a fetus or child, according to the Chemical Encyclopedia.

Petunia Cultivation

• Petunias prefer a sunny location with well-drained soil that is kept moderately moist, according to the University of California Cooperative Extension. Although the plant will also grow well in partial shade, dense shade reduces the blooms. Space plants about one foot apart. To get more flowers, deadhead the spent blooms and make sure you feed the petunias with fertilizer once a month.