Sally from Baltimore Md writes
star of bethlehem
The label says SpeedZone broadleaf herbicide will kill star of bethlehem which is rampant in my city backyard. I need information on spot killing each plant. I do not want to broadly spray over a large area at one time. I prefer to use a spray bottle with a small mixture. I am not sure what proportions to use. I did try a test on about 6 small clumps-i cut off the tops, leaving a good 5 inches to allow for a clearer view of the plant and limit the amount that would spray out onto the yard. I put an open-topped box around each plant and sprayed each one with about1/4 cup water to 1 cup Speedzone. The greenery died completely in a few days, but will the damn bulbs be killed as well? It's a weed that spreads too easily. Each bulb produces 7 bulblets, and each bulblet produces 7 more. The flowers, if allowed to bloom, make seeds that spread the plant even further. Speedzone may be my only hope of removal if I know how to use it correctly, especially the concentration.
Answer:
SpeedZone Lawn Weed Killer Concentrate is not labeled to control star of Bethlehem plants. This plant is in the lily family, which means it has very persistent bulbs that essentially need to be dug out to completely remove them from an area. In a small lawn, some folks will dig up and fully till the area before reseeding or sodding. Herbicides can kill the green tissue that comes up, but it will not kill the bulbs.
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Using more product than is recommended on the product label will not make an herbicide work better or faster. That is only going to increase risks to you and to your desirable grass.
Answer last updated on: 04/03/2023
