Spectracide is a fast-acting weed and grass killer which the manufacturers believe is so good at its job that it comes with a money-back guarantee if it doesn’t work for you.
It is designed for post-emergent weeds, and it contains a Glyphosate chemical that works by attacking the weed internally.
The best part about it is that it does not damage the soil and leaves no residue on the rest of the plants if used per the instructions.
So, will Spectracide kill flowers? Yes, Spectracide is made of a non-selective formula, meaning it destroys any plant that it comes across, including flowers. It will kill your flowers anywhere between 3 hours to 3 weeks after application.
So for it not to destroy flowers, you will need to be careful not to get any of the solutions to your flowers.
If you happen to spray any of the Spectracide on the wrong plants, you should immediately wash off the solution with clean water to prevent further damage.
Besides that, here are a few tips you should consider so that Spectracide does not kill your flowers.
Tips to protect your flowers when using Spectracide
- Check the weather forecast beforehand: make sure to spray Spectracide when there is no wind. If the weather is not favorable and you cannot wait any longer, consider dabbing the solution directly onto the weed or look for an alternative herbicide with a gel consistency.
- Have a designated sprayer when using Spectracide. This will help avoid contamination of your plants.
- Thoroughly rinse your sprayer after every use. Make sure to pour the water you’ve used far away from any plants to prevent it from running back to the farm.
- Carry an additional water sprayer when spraying Spectracide. The sprayer will come in handy if you accidentally spray Spectracide on desired plants. Additionally, you should have a rag nearby to wipe off any herbicide that may leak as you work.
- Try not to walk around the areas that you have just sprayed. The chances of the herbicide sticking on your shoe and spreading around are very high.
- If possible, cover anything you do not want to be sprayed with cardboard or plastic. Only remove the material you used as a cover when you are sure the herbicide is completely dry.
- Read the instructions manual very thoroughly to avoid making any rookie mistakes.
- Avoid sprayers that come with a high-pressure nozzle. They are more challenging to aim at and tend to create small spray particles that are prone to straying.
- Do not spray bulbs even when they seem to have dried back. The herbicide will still destroy them by seeping through the exposed parts.
How to accurately target the weeds
If the weeds are close together, consider cutting a small hole through plastic or cardboard and then pulling the weed through the whole before spraying it with herbicide.
This way, you will know where to aim. You will not only save the product, but Spectracide will not kill your flowers either.
Alternatively, you could purchase a sponge applicator and brush the herbicide on the leaf.
If you cannot find a sponge applicator, try using a bristle brush but be careful not to flick it too hard, as doing so will damage your flowers.
Common weeds in flowerbeds
Before purchasing Spectracide, it is imperative to know the exact type of weeds you are dealing with to know how to deal with them properly.
1. Dandelions
Dandelions have fluffy leaves and are probably one of the most prevalent weeds. They reproduce by spreading their leaves around using wind and also through roots.
You need to deal with them early lest they take over your flowerbed. You can either use Spectracide or any of these dandelion removal tools.
2. Field bindweed
They tend to have profound roots that can grow up to 14 feet. This means that you must deal with them as soon as they appear, usually around the beginning of spring.
3. Crabgrass
Crabgrass is a widespread weed during summer. It grows up to 2 feet tall but is very easy to control if the herbicide is used early.
The best time to use a crabgrass preventer is before the rains begin. Check your local weather forecast in order to get the best results.
4. Lamb Squatters
This weed is popular in Europe and has a very high growth rate. If not dealt with on the offset, it will suck all the moisture from your soil, dehydrating your flowers.
One of the benefits of knowing which type of weed you are dealing with is how many times you will need to spray them for them to be eliminated.
Frequently asked questions about Spectracide
Here are answers to the most common questions that homeowners have about Spectracide:
1. Does Spectracide kill insects?
Yes, Spectracide does kill over 100 types of insects as the solution contains insecticides.
If you are looking for a safe herbicide for use around insects or some pets, stay away from it.
2. Is it safe to allow pets to roam the area I have just treated with Spectracide?
It is advisable to keep you and the pets away from the treated area for about an hour to ensure that the herbicide has completely dried.
If this isn’t possible, then consider switching to a pet-safe herbicide for eliminating weeds.
3. After how long can I replant the treated area?
Since Spectracide does not affect the soil, you can replant your lawn one day after using it. However, you will need to wait for at least seven days if you want to re-seed.
4. Does Spectracide destroy the roots?
It claims to destroy the roots, but this only works if you spray the weed at least three times over a two-week interval.
5. Where can I use Spectracide?
Spectracide is perfect for use on pathways, walkways, and driveways, around ornamental plants and trees, and along fences and foundations.
It is also ideal for lawn renovation when you need to kill old plants.
6. How long does Spectracide take to kill weeds?
Spectracide starts working immediately after you spray the weed. However, you can only see the results after three hours or so.
Should you use Spectracide in a flower garden?
If you are not a fan of pulling out weeds with your hands and do not have the resources to burn them, then using an herbicide like Spectracide is your next best option.
It works in minutes and comes at a very affordable price. So long as you use it carefully, your weed problem will be gone after a few days.
With the tips above, you should be able to use Spectracide to kill weeds and not flowers.
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IW’s Chief Editor and a lover of green spaces.