Zinnia bug damage - Ask Extension
My zinnias have been chewed up by Japanese beetles. I have the bugs under control now but am wondering if I should pick off the damaged skelotonized l...
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Zinnia bug damage #575464
Asked June 30, 2019, 9:17 AM EDT
My zinnias have been chewed up by Japanese beetles. I have the bugs under control now but am wondering if I should pick off the damaged skelotonized leaves? Will the leaves grow back if I take off the bad ones?
Fulton County Indiana
Expert Response
Thank you for your question. While the leaves may not look garden-worthy, what remains of the leaf, other than the veins, will continue to supply ‘food’ to the plant. But you can remove them, and new leaves will typically grow this early in the summer. With proper care, more leaves may grow, even if you don’t prune. Good luck!