Peony Flower Blackening: Thrips or Botrytis Gray Mold?

Two Diagnostic Tests

1. Thrips: Slowly open buds—look for 1–2 mm yellowish cream insects deep in petals.
2. Botrytis: Bag affected bloom with damp paper towel 48 hrs. Gray fuzzy growth = Botrytis.

Treatment

• Thrips: Spinosad or insecticidal soap weekly during bloom.
• Botrytis: Copper fungicide, improve air flow, avoid wetting flowers.

Prevention

Remove spent blooms promptly. Clean up all debris in fall.