Pest identification
What's eating my calypso cilantro?
Aphids
Signs: Dense clusters of green or black aphids on stems and undersides of leaves; honeydew promotes sooty mould
Control: Knock off with water jets; encourage aphid predators; treat heavy infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil
Black swallowtail caterpillar
Signs: Large, brightly striped caterpillars eat leaves and stems, capable of stripping a plant within days
Control: Hand-pick and relocate; apply Bt spray; exclude butterflies with row cover during egg-laying season
Leafhoppers
Signs: Pale stippling on leaves; tiny fast-moving insects on leaf undersides; plants appear bleached or mottled
Control: Use reflective mulches to confuse adults; remove weeds that harbour overwintering populations; insecticidal soap for heavy pressure
Keep calypso cilantro pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Calypso Cilantro pests — FAQ
What is eating my calypso cilantro?
Calypso cilantro shares the same pest vulnerabilities as other coriander varieties. Aphids are the most persistent problem, colonizing soft new growth. Black swallowtail caterpillars can defoliate plants quickly. Carrot fly and leafhoppers are secondary threats in outdoor beds.
How do I get rid of aphids on calypso cilantro?
Dense clusters of green or black aphids on stems and undersides of leaves; honeydew promotes sooty mould Knock off with water jets; encourage aphid predators; treat heavy infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil
How do I get rid of black swallowtail caterpillar on calypso cilantro?
Large, brightly striped caterpillars eat leaves and stems, capable of stripping a plant within days Hand-pick and relocate; apply Bt spray; exclude butterflies with row cover during egg-laying season
How do I get rid of leafhoppers on calypso cilantro?
Pale stippling on leaves; tiny fast-moving insects on leaf undersides; plants appear bleached or mottled Use reflective mulches to confuse adults; remove weeds that harbour overwintering populations; insecticidal soap for heavy pressure