Pest identification
What's eating my greek sage?
Sage leafhopper (Eupteryx melissae)
Signs: Pale yellow stippled blotching across the upper leaf surface; adults jump rapidly when disturbed
Control: Remove and destroy affected leaves; insecticidal soap spray to undersides of leaves where nymphs feed; improve airflow
Aphids
Signs: Colonies on soft new growth and flower buds; sticky honeydew and sooty mould on leaves below
Control: Blast off with water; spray insecticidal soap or neem oil; plant companion flowers to attract hoverflies nearby
Spittlebug / Froghopper (Philaenus spumarius)
Signs: White frothy foam on stems ('cuckoo spit') concealing a nymph; minor cosmetic damage to shoots
Control: Wipe or wash off the foam and nymph by hand; rarely needs chemical treatment; plants recover well unaided
Keep greek sage pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Greek Sage pests — FAQ
What is eating my greek sage?
Greek Sage's aromatic oils deter most pests, making it one of the easier herbs to grow. Sage leafhoppers and aphids are the most common nuisances; spittlebugs (froghoppers) leave frothy masses on stems. Vine weevils may attack roots of pot-grown plants. Deer and rabbits generally avoid the strong scent of Mediterranean sages.
How do I get rid of sage leafhopper (eupteryx melissae) on greek sage?
Pale yellow stippled blotching across the upper leaf surface; adults jump rapidly when disturbed Remove and destroy affected leaves; insecticidal soap spray to undersides of leaves where nymphs feed; improve airflow
How do I get rid of aphids on greek sage?
Colonies on soft new growth and flower buds; sticky honeydew and sooty mould on leaves below Blast off with water; spray insecticidal soap or neem oil; plant companion flowers to attract hoverflies nearby
How do I get rid of spittlebug / froghopper (philaenus spumarius) on greek sage?
White frothy foam on stems ('cuckoo spit') concealing a nymph; minor cosmetic damage to shoots Wipe or wash off the foam and nymph by hand; rarely needs chemical treatment; plants recover well unaided