We recently read an article about nasturtiums on our sister site, The Kitchn. Most of the comments seemed to focus on finding a non-toxic way to get rid of the aphids that inevitably seem to come to feast on the plant. Here's an easy solution that we've used to great effect with rose bushes...
We keep it simple and mix a dollup of dish soap with a cup or two of water in a spray bottle, slosh it around, and spray directly to the infested area. Some people add vegetable oil to the mixture, but in our experience, it hasn't been necessary. We think that if you are vigilant enough when the flowers are buds than the aphids will be gone by the time they bloom, meaning the petals will be free of both the bugs and the less-than-appetizing soap mixture. Planting anything that attracts ladybugs nearby (spearmint, Queen Anne's lace) might also help, as they prey on aphids. Any other suggestions?
Image: Keltickelton.
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Comments (7)
If attracting ladybugs fails, or if the aphid problem is already out of control when you move in, one batch of ladybugs from a garden store will solve the aphid problem in about a day. I'm not sure what the environmental problems are with this method, as I know the ladybugs are often collected in the mountains, but it really does work. Those little ladies are really hungry when they wake up.
Spray the affected plant with fairly high-pressured water from the hose -- it knocks the aphids off the plant. Sounds too simple too work, but I've done it for years with my trees and rose bushes.
Ladybugs are pretty.
i've also used the hose to send the aphids off the plant. you just have to be vigilant and check to make sure they stay off. they usually do. i've done this on my euphorbia (aphids love those!) and st john's wort.
yes, i have found a simple jet of water to knock those buggers off does the trick. or smooshing them with your fingers...bc they suck the sweetness out of the plant they often smell sugary when you smoosh them.
I just go out every once in a while & squish them.
This reminds me of the aphid swarm of 2001 in Toronto. I was wearing a yellow shirt and I had to go buy a new one after I got sick of my boyfriend sweeping handfuls of aphids off my top. Twas gross.