You should pay attention at the latest when there are a noticeable number of ants around the sunflowers. The little animals are often a clear sign of an advanced aphid infestation: They keep the little, sweet honeydew-producing creatures as pets and make sure that they don't lack for anything. Aphids should definitely be fought as they can cause lasting damage to the affected plant. As a rule, natural remedies with ingredients that everyone has in their kitchen cupboard are sufficient.
How can you get rid of aphids on sunflowers naturally?
To combat aphids on sunflowers, natural products such as water, milk-oil mixture, neem seeds, black tea, coffee, nettle decoction or a detergent solution can be used. The affected areas should be sprayed daily for one to two weeks.
Fighting Aphids Naturally – The Best Methods
If the infestation has not progressed too far, a shower with normal water is often sufficient: simply hold sunflowers cultivated in pots under the shower head for this purpose. However, make sure that the flowers do not get any water and that the leaves can then dry quickly - otherwise there is a risk of mildew or other fungal diseases. If there is a heavy occurrence, you should cut off particularly affected leaves and shoots and spray the plants with one of the following mixtures.
Milk-oil mixture
A simple water-milk mixture, mixed with a few drops of vegetable oil, has always proven to be helpful against aphid infestations. To do this, mix 100 milliliters of fresh whole milk with 200 milliliters of water and, if necessary, a little rapeseed or sunflower oil. Spray the affected areas daily for one to two weeks.
Neem seeds
Neem or Niem is a tree that is widespread in India, from whose fruits the seeds that are often used in pesticides and cosmetics are obtained. They have an insecticidal, fungicidal and antibacterial effect - insects, fungi and bacteria don't stand a chance. To combat aphids and other plant lice, you can use commercially available neem oil or pour one liter of boiling water over around 50 grams of seeds and let them steep for several hours. Spray the affected areas daily for one to two weeks.
Black tea or coffee
For a weak infestation, a spray treatment with cooled black tea or coffee also helps very well. However, the drinks should not contain any sugar or other additives.
Stinging nettle broth
A home-made nettle decoction not only reliably helps against aphids and other unwanted visitors, but also provides the plant with valuable nutrients. To do this, pour ten liters of water over about a kilogram of freshly picked (wear gloves!) and crushed nettles and let the whole thing ferment for about a week. Stir the mixture daily; you can add a handful of rock dust to combat the unpleasant smell.
dishwashing liquid
A few drops of dishwashing liquid, mixed with a little spirit (optional) in water, has also proven to be an effective anti-aphid agent.
Tip
However, you should stay away from substances such as cigarette butts or tobacco leaves mixed with water: if it's not good for you, your plant will definitely not like it either.
