| Description | Dormant oil sprays were originally applied only to dormant plants, and that still holds true. However, newer sprays are refined from petroleum oils, such as mineral oil, and contain emulsifiers that help the oil mix with water for better coverage. These sprays are available in different types, such as dormant oil, horticultural oil, and superior oil. The superior oil can be used anytime; the others are intended specifically for dormant plants. Although these sprays are safe for most plants, it is essential to check the label to avoid spraying on certain plants. These sprays kill pests by suffocating them. |
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| Plant Type | Botany 101, Site author's observations |
| Author's Notes | "I used this spray for the first time to treat a group of deciduous shrubs infested with mites. I sprayed them during the dormant season, and it solved the problem. In the past, you could only spray dormant plants, but the new formulation allows you to use the spray at any time of the year. I have used it successfully on actively growing plants, but you should be careful because the oil may burn the leaves of some plants. Refer to the label for information on which plants can tolerate the oil spray." |
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