Can Roundup Be Sprayed in Flower Beds?

Faced with a flowerbed full of weeds, you might wonder if a weed-killing spray like Roundup can be applied to kill weeds but not plants. Unfortunately, Roundup is a non-selective weed killer that cannot differentiate between weeds and flowers.

Dandelion weed

Roundup Kills Weeds and Flowers

When sprayed in a flowerbed, Roundup kills not only weeds but can also damage annuals, perennials, trees and shrubs.

Spray Roundup To Establish New Flower Beds

Prepare new flowerbeds by spraying with a systemic weed killer like Roundup, which works its way through plants to kill the roots as well.

How to Spray Roundup

For small areas, use a ready-to-use spray with a trigger nozzle. For larger areas, Roundup has a spray wand system which can emit a continuous stream of spray for three to five minutes.

Special Precautions Using Roundup

Apply Roundup when it's at least 50 degrees, not windy or too hot, otherwise some of the spray may drift to other areas of your garden and cause unintended damage.

Reapply as Needed

Within six hours, weeds and plants sprayed with Roundup should start to wither. Tug on the plants; if the weeds show some resistance, it may take several repeat applications for Roundup to completely kill them.

Avoid Extended Weed Control

When using Roundup in areas you intend to replant flowers, avoid Roundup products which offer extended weed control which will prevent any flowers or seeds from growing for four months.

References

• Cornell University Cooperative Extension Offices
• University of Illinois Extension

Resources

• The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Roundup Details & Usage
• UBC Botanical Garden Organic Vinegar Weedkiller Alternative