The nasturtium is very easy to care for but unfortunately also very susceptible to lice. This is almost the only problem your gardener has to deal with. Only the caterpillar of the cabbage white butterfly competes with the aphids in this respect.
How to remove lice from nasturtiums?
To remove lice from nasturtiums, spray the affected leaves with nettle broth, black tea or soft soap solution. Encourage beneficial insects such as ladybirds, lacewings and parasitic wasps by planting plants such as lavender or garlic nearby.
Of course, lice can be easily and very effectively combated with chemical agents. However, this is only recommended for ornamental plants. If you would like to use your nasturtium in the kitchen, then you should avoid any chemical pesticides and use one of the numerous organic home remedies.
The treatment of lice
Once there are aphids, they multiply at a rapid rate. That's why you should act quickly. Spray the affected leaves of your plants with nettle broth, black tea or a soft soap solution. If the infestation is mild, a strong jet of water may help. You should remove extremely infected plant parts, as well as weak or sickly plants.
Ladybirds, lacewings and parasitic wasps feed on aphids, among other things. With many different flowering plants you can create a paradise for these beneficial insects. As a thank you, they will eat plenty of lice and take this plague away from you. Plant lavender or garlic near your nasturtiums so their scent will keep the lice away.
The most important treatment tips:
- Never treat crops with chemicals
- rinse affected leaves
- Beneficial insects also for prevention
Preventing aphids
Prevention is also better when it comes to aphids than having to treat the plants later. There are different possibilities for this. On the one hand, you ensure that beneficial insects such as ladybirds, lacewings, etc. have an ideal environment and give your nasturtium the right neighbors.
If you have had to deal with severe infestations in the past, a culture protection net may be the ideal protection for your plants. It is so finely meshed that it even keeps aphids away.
Garlic broth can also be used preventatively. To do this, let five liters of water with ten cloves of garlic boil for about twenty minutes and then leave covered for a day. Then carefully spray all shoots and leaves, especially on the undersides.
Tips & Tricks
Do not use chemical agents to control aphids if your nasturtium is intended for consumption.
