What's eating my nasturtium 'empress of india'?

Nasturtium 'Empress of India' is notorious for attracting aphids — especially the large black bean aphid — in enormous colonies. Caterpillars of the large and small white butterfly devour the leaves. The good news: many gardeners use nasturtiums deliberately as an aphid trap crop. Cabbage white caterpillars and aphids are both near-certainties in any UK or US garden.

Massive colonies coat stems, undersides of leaves and young buds; plants weaken rapidly and flowers are smothered. Use as a sacrificial trap crop away from vegetables; spray colonies with insecticidal soap or neem oil; squash by hand early before colonies explode.

Large irregular holes in leaves; young caterpillars skeletonize the foliage; frass pellets visible on leaves. Handpick caterpillars and eggs from leaf undersides; apply Bt spray targeting young larvae; use fine mesh over edible nasturtium crops.

Seedlings and young transplants eaten; large holes in lower leaves near the soil; silvery slime trails overnight. Iron phosphate bait scattered around plants; copper tape on container rims; sow later in spring once soil is warmer and plants establish fast.