What is horticultural oil, anyway?
Q: I have heard several people extol the virtues of horticultural oil. What in the world is that? A: Horticultural oil is a highly refined petroleum oil that is used to control certain insects on plants. It is commonly used on evergreen shrubs, fruit trees and even some house plants. Horticultural oil actually smothers small-bodied insects and mites by clogging their breathing pores. It is not toxic to beetles and larger insects. Therefore, it is used to control both the two-spotted spider mite, Southern red mites, aphids and the armored scales. These are pests of junipers, fruit trees, camellias, hollies and many more. Horticultural oil can be applied in late winter using the “dormant” rate and using the “summer” rate during the summer. It is mixed with water and sprayed on all plant parts. Many organic growers like this product due to its safety as an insecticide. Horticultural oil is sold under trade names such as Sunspray Oil, Volck Oil, and Dormant Oil. It is a very good product f
