Aphids On Nasturtiums

If you’ve spotted clusters of tiny bugs on your nasturtiums, you’re likely dealing with a common garden visitor. Finding aphids on nasturtiums can be frustrating, but there are many effective natural solutions. The good news is that nasturtiums are tough and often act as a trap crop, drawing aphids away from other plants. This means you can manage them without resorting to harsh chemicals, keeping your garden safe for pollinators and your family.

Let’s look at why aphids love nasturtiums and how you can stop them in their tracks.

Nasturtiums are like a magnet for blackfly and other aphid types. Their broad, tender leaves and juicy stems provide the perfect sap for aphids to feed on. While it might seem like a bad thing, many gardeners plant nasturtiums on purpose to lure aphids away from veggies like tomatoes and beans. Whether they’re a trap crop or a prized flower, controlling them naturally is straightforward.

Why Choose Natural Pest Control?

Chemical insecticides don’t just kill aphids. They can also harm the beneficial insects that help you, like ladybugs and lacewings. Natural methods are safer for your garden’s ecosystem, cheaper, and often use items you already have at home. They help maintain a balanced enviornment where pests are managed, not eradicated, which is healthier for your soil and plants long-term.

Immediate Action: Simple Physical Removal

When you first notice aphids, start with the simplest tactics. These methods can reduce numbers quickly with minimal effort.

Blast Them Off: Use a strong jet of water from your hose to knock aphids off the leaves. They are soft-bodied and rarely climb back up. Do this in the morning so leaves dry by evening, preventing fungal issues.
Hand-Picking: For light infestations, wear garden gloves and simply squash the aphid clusters between your fingers. It’s immediate and effective.
Prune Heavily Infested Areas: If one stem is covered, don’t hesitate to cut it off and dispose of it in the trash (not the compost). This quickly removes a large population.

Introducing Natural Predators

Your best allies in the garden are beneficial insects. You can attract them or even buy them to release.

Ladybugs and Lacewings: Both are voracious aphid eaters. You can order them online or from garden centers. Release them at dusk near the infested plants so they settle in.
Attract Beneficials: Plant flowers like dill, fennel, yarrow, and sweet alyssum near your nasturtiums. These provide nectar and pollen for beneficial insects, encouraging them to stay in your garden.
Bird-Friendly Gardens: Small birds, especially chickadees and wrens, eat aphids. Provide a birdbath and some shrubs for cover to invite them in.

Homemade Sprays and Solutions

You can make powerful anti-aphid sprays from common kitchen ingredients. Always test a small part of the plant first and apply in the cooler parts of the day.

Soap Spray (The Classic)

This works by breaking down the aphid’s protective waxy layer.

Mix 1 tablespoon of pure liquid castile soap (not detergent) with 1 quart of warm water.
Pour into a spray bottle and shake gently.
Spray directly onto the aphids, covering the tops and undersides of leaves.
Reapply every 2-3 days for a couple weeks, or after rain.

Neem Oil Solution

Neem oil is a natural pesticide that disrupts the aphid’s life cycle and acts as a repellent.

Combine 1 teaspoon of neem oil and 1/2 teaspoon of castile soap with 1 quart of warm water.
Shake thoroughly to emulsify the oil.
Spray all plant surfaces until damp. The neem oil residue helps prevent new aphids from settling.
Apply once a week for maintenance.

Garlic or Chili Pepper Spray

A strong repellent spray can deter new aphids from moving in.

Blend 2 whole garlic bulbs or a handful of chili peppers with a few cups of water.
Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth into a jar.
Dilute 1 part of this concentrate with 10 parts water. Add a teaspoon of soap to help it stick.
Spray on plant leaves, focusing on new growth where aphids gather.

Companion Planting Strategies

Use other plants to your advantage. Strong-smelling herbs and flowers can confuse and repel aphids.

Plant Alliums: Chives, garlic, and onions planted near nasturtiums give off a scent aphids avoid.
Try Strong Herbs: Mint, rosemary, and oregano can also provide a protective barrier. (Consider planting mint in pots, as it can be invasive).
Use Reflective Mulches: Laying aluminum foil or reflective mulch around plants disorients flying aphids, preventing them from landing.

Cultural Practices to Prevent Future Infestations

A healthy garden is your best defense. Aphids often target plants that are stressed or over-fertilized.

Avoid Excess Nitrogen: Too much nitrogen-rich fertilizer causes lots of soft, new growth, which aphids adore. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer instead.
Water Consistently: Keep nasturtiums evenly watered to avoid drought stress. They’re somewhat drought-tolerant, but stressed plants are more vulnerable.
Check Plants Regularly: Make inspecting your nasturtiums part of your weekly garden routine. Catching aphids early makes control much easier.
Weed Your Beds: Weeds can host aphids, so keeping the area tidy removes alternate homes for them.

When to Let Nature Take Its Course

Sometimes, the best action is patience. If the infestation isn’t severe and you see ladybug larvae or other predators already present, hold off on spraying. The beneficial insects will often bring the population under control in a week or two. Nasturtiums are resilient and can handle a fair number of aphids before their growth is seriously impacted. This balance is the heart of organic gardening.

FAQ: Natural Control for Aphids on Nasturtiums

Will aphids kill my nasturtiums?

It’s unlikely. Nasturtiums are vigorous and can tolerate a significant aphid load. Severe infestations can stunt growth and curl leaves, but the plant rarely dies. Control is more about management and protecting nearby plants.

What is the fastest way to get rid of aphids naturally?

A strong blast of water combined with spraying a soap solution is the quickest one-two punch for immediate reduction. Follow up with neem oil to prevent their return.

Can I use vinegar spray for aphids on nasturtiums?

It’s not recommended. Vinegar is a non-selective herbicide that can easily damage or kill the tender leaves of your nasturtiums. Stick to soap, oil, or repellent sprays for safety.

Why are there so many aphids on my nasturtiums?

Nasturtiums produce sap that is particularly attractive to aphids. They are often one of the first plants aphids colonize in spring. Consider it a sign that your garden is a normal, functioning ecosystem.

Do banana peels really keep aphids away?

This is a common garden myth. Burying banana peels adds potassium to the soil but there’s no reliable evidence they repel aphids. It’s better to focus on proven methods like companion planting or sprays.

Managing aphids on your nasturtiums is a very achievable task. By starting with gentle physical removal, encouraging predators, and using targeted homemade sprays, you can protect your plants. Remember that a few aphids aren’t a crisis—they’re part of the garden food web. With these natural strategies, your nasturtiums will continue to thrive, adding their bright, cheerful blooms to your garden space.