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Downy mildew

DISEASE
When it's active · UK
When it's active · Northern Italy
When it's active · Central Italy
When it's active · Southern Italy and islands

How to recognise it

Pale or yellow blotches on the upper leaf surface with a corresponding fuzzy grey-purple growth on the underside, unlike the dry powder of powdery mildew.

Life cycle and conditions

Favoured by cool, damp, still conditions, especially spring and autumn; spreads rapidly in prolonged wet weather.

Prevention

Improve airflow around plants, avoid overhead watering, remove affected material promptly.

How to treat it

🌿 ORGANIC · RECOMMENDED

Remove and dispose of infected leaves promptly and improve airflow — cultural prevention is genuinely the main and most reliable defence here.

🧪 CHEMICAL · IF YOU CHOOSE

Few effective chemical options exist for amateur gardeners against downy mildew, so there's little to gain from reaching past the bio-friendly approach.

PLANTS MOST AFFECTED
pansiesvegetablesvarious ornamentals in damp seasons
IN THE CARE SHEETS
Alpine hebe