Pest identification
What's eating my florence fennel 'orion'?
Fennel aphid (Hyadaphis foeniculi) and related species
Signs: Sticky grey-green or black colonies at leaf nodes, stem bases, and inside developing bulb layers; ants attending colonies signal heavy infestation.
Control: Knock off with strong water jet; introduce ladybird larvae; insecticidal soap or neem oil for persistent infestations.
Slugs and snails
Signs: Seedlings and young transplants severed or heavily notched at soil level; worst in cool, moist spring conditions.
Control: Iron phosphate pellets around seedlings; grit mulch at the base; raise seedlings under cover before transplanting.
Carrot root fly (Psila rosae)
Signs: Root-fly larvae tunnel into the bulb base, causing rust-coloured cavities and premature yellowing of foliage.
Control: Cover with fine insect-proof mesh from transplanting; avoid site near carrots or parsley; rotate beds annually.
Keep florence fennel 'orion' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Florence Fennel 'Orion' pests — FAQ
What is eating my florence fennel 'orion'?
Florence fennel 'Orion' faces the same pest profile as all fennel: aphids are the primary concern, with the fennel aphid (Hyadaphis foeniculi) clustering at stem bases and inside bulbs. Slugs threaten seedlings. Carrot root fly can damage bulb bases. 'Orion' is notably bolt-resistant but pest resistance remains standard for fennel.
How do I get rid of fennel aphid (hyadaphis foeniculi) and related species on florence fennel 'orion'?
Sticky grey-green or black colonies at leaf nodes, stem bases, and inside developing bulb layers; ants attending colonies signal heavy infestation. Knock off with strong water jet; introduce ladybird larvae; insecticidal soap or neem oil for persistent infestations.
How do I get rid of slugs and snails on florence fennel 'orion'?
Seedlings and young transplants severed or heavily notched at soil level; worst in cool, moist spring conditions. Iron phosphate pellets around seedlings; grit mulch at the base; raise seedlings under cover before transplanting.
How do I get rid of carrot root fly (psila rosae) on florence fennel 'orion'?
Root-fly larvae tunnel into the bulb base, causing rust-coloured cavities and premature yellowing of foliage. Cover with fine insect-proof mesh from transplanting; avoid site near carrots or parsley; rotate beds annually.