Pest identification
What's eating my cascadia trailing petunia?
Tobacco budworm (Heliothis virescens)
Signs: Chewed-out bud interiors; buds that never open or fall prematurely
Control: Bt spray (kurstaki) at early bud stage, repeated every 5–7 days; remove caterpillars by hand at dusk
Aphids
Signs: Cluster of soft insects on stem tips; sticky honeydew attracting ants; curled leaves
Control: Insecticidal soap spray; water jet; plant near companion plants such as French marigold to deter colonies
Earwigs
Signs: Ragged petal edges and small holes in leaves; feeding occurs at night
Control: Trap in rolled damp newspaper or cardboard tubes placed nearby; remove in the morning; keep basket area clear of debris
Keep cascadia trailing petunia pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Cascadia trailing petunia pests — FAQ
What is eating my cascadia trailing petunia?
Cascadia trailing petunias, bred for hanging baskets and window boxes, attract tobacco budworms that ruin buds, and aphids that distort new growth. Whitefly can build up under the trailing foliage. Slugs occasionally damage low-hanging stems. Earwigs may feed at night on petals in sheltered spots.
How do I get rid of tobacco budworm (heliothis virescens) on cascadia trailing petunia?
Chewed-out bud interiors; buds that never open or fall prematurely Bt spray (kurstaki) at early bud stage, repeated every 5–7 days; remove caterpillars by hand at dusk
How do I get rid of aphids on cascadia trailing petunia?
Cluster of soft insects on stem tips; sticky honeydew attracting ants; curled leaves Insecticidal soap spray; water jet; plant near companion plants such as French marigold to deter colonies
How do I get rid of earwigs on cascadia trailing petunia?
Ragged petal edges and small holes in leaves; feeding occurs at night Trap in rolled damp newspaper or cardboard tubes placed nearby; remove in the morning; keep basket area clear of debris