Pest identification
What's eating my calendula 'radio'?
Aphids
Signs: Dense orange or green colonies on stems, buds, and leaf undersides; leaves curl and flower stems may fail to open.
Control: Blast off with water; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; Calendula's own nectar attracts hoverflies and ladybirds naturally.
Slugs & Snails
Signs: Holes in petals and leaves; seedlings eaten to the ground overnight; silvery slime trails left on soil.
Control: Set beer traps and iron phosphate pellets; hand-pick at dusk; avoid planting in very shaded, moist spots.
Rabbits
Signs: Flowers and soft foliage nibbled back, particularly when plants are young and low-growing at bed edges.
Control: Wire cylinder guards on individual plants; repellent spray; companion planting with stronger-scented herbs may deter browsing.
Keep calendula 'radio' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Calendula 'Radio' pests — FAQ
What is eating my calendula 'radio'?
Calendula 'Radio' with its quilled petals faces the same pests as all Calendula officinalis: aphids are the biggest menace, often coating new growth densely. Slugs damage seedlings and flowers, and powdery mildew weakens plants late in the season. Rabbits may browse low-growing flowers. The good news: Calendula attracts aphid predators, partly managing itself.
How do I get rid of aphids on calendula 'radio'?
Dense orange or green colonies on stems, buds, and leaf undersides; leaves curl and flower stems may fail to open. Blast off with water; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; Calendula's own nectar attracts hoverflies and ladybirds naturally.
How do I get rid of slugs & snails on calendula 'radio'?
Holes in petals and leaves; seedlings eaten to the ground overnight; silvery slime trails left on soil. Set beer traps and iron phosphate pellets; hand-pick at dusk; avoid planting in very shaded, moist spots.
How do I get rid of rabbits on calendula 'radio'?
Flowers and soft foliage nibbled back, particularly when plants are young and low-growing at bed edges. Wire cylinder guards on individual plants; repellent spray; companion planting with stronger-scented herbs may deter browsing.