Black spots on my petunias?

Question

Hello All,

I have a five gallon pot of petunias on my front porch. Over the last ten days or so, I have noticed some holes in the leaves and now there are tiny raised black spots on the leaves. They're not moving, so I don't know if they are bugs. And they don't look like bugs. They're just tiny raised black spots, a bit smaller than the head of a pin. I live in San Diego, so it gets plenty of sun and I try to keep the soil from getting too dry, so I water about every other day. They just finished their second huge bloom since I planted them. They were planted in organic potting soil about two months ago. Any ideas what these black spots could be and what is a preferably non-chemical way to get rid of it?

Answer 1

Could it be the disease black spot?  I had black spot on my inpatients and my rose bushes this year.  It is a mold that is caused by too much moisture.  My area has had a ton of rain this year and I think that is why my plants got this.  I will spread to all the leaves if you don't kill it.  The best way is to remove the infected leaves and all of the leaves that have fallen around the plant.  You said you water everyday, they could be getting too much water.  If you want to continue watering everyday, be sure only water the soil, at the base of the plant.  I'm not sure this is what you have, but, you could check it out.  I use a store bought spray for black spot.  I don't know of any non-chemical way to get rid of this if it is what you have.  

Answer 2

I have had the same problem only to find out they are seeds, I thought they were bugs also.