How to Get Rid of Aphids on Petunias
Gardeners growing petunias usually enjoy flowering plants that do not present challenges or difficulties. Petunias are not prone to disease or insect infestation in the same way as other annual flowers and vegetables. If you do have problems with aphids on petunias, treat them swiftly to avoid further problems. Use natural control methods to get rid of aphids on petunias and your petunias will continue to thrive and bloom in your landscaping areas.
Examine your petunia plants regularly during the growing season to prevent aphid infestation from escalating before you notice the insects. Turn leaves over to look at the undersides of the foliage because aphids often congregate under leaves.
Set the spray nozzle of the hose to a strong stream and direct the stream of water at the petunia foliage where you find aphids. Spray the foliage forcefully to knock the aphids from the leaves and stems of your petunia plants.
- Gardeners growing petunias usually enjoy flowering plants that do not present challenges or difficulties.
- Examine your petunia plants regularly during the growing season to prevent aphid infestation from escalating before you notice the insects.
Mix 2 tbsp. dishwashing detergent with 1 gallon of tepid water in the bucket. Stir the soapy water well to activate the bubbles.
Fill a spray bottle with the soapy water and screw the cap onto the spray bottle.
Spray the foliage with the soapy water, making sure you saturate the foliage thoroughly with the water. Reapply the soapy water once per week to remove aphids and prevent future infestations.
Rid Of Aphids On Petunias
Blast the affected petunia with a strong stream of water. Parasitic wasps are natural predators that kill aphids by laying eggs inside the pests. Grow blooming plants such as vetch, yarrow or tansy, or herbs such as mint, sweet fennel or caraway, which attract aphids' natural predators. Spray the plant thoroughly, especially the undersides of the leaves. Reapply as needed, because the sprays are not effective once they dry.
- dishwashing detergent with 1 gallon of tepid water in the bucket.
- Spray the foliage with the soapy water, making sure you saturate the foliage thoroughly with the water.
Tip
Apply the soapy water early in the day when the sun is not shining directly onto the petunias. Sun baking the wet soapy water into the foliage may damage the plants.
Warning
Do not apply the soapy water to the petunia plants if the temperature is over 90 degrees F because the plants may suffer damage at high temperatures.
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References
Tips
- Apply the soapy water early in the day when the sun is not shining directly onto the petunias. Sun baking the wet soapy water into the foliage may damage the plants.
Warnings
- Do not apply the soapy water to the petunia plants if the temperature is over 90 degrees F because the plants may suffer damage at high temperatures.
Writer Bio
Kathryn Hatter is a veteran home-school educator, as well as an accomplished gardener, quilter, crocheter, cook, decorator and digital graphics creator. As a regular contributor to Natural News, many of Hatter's Internet publications focus on natural health and parenting. Hatter has also had publication on home improvement websites such as Redbeacon.
