What's eating my night-scented stock?

Night-scented stock (Matthiola longipetala) faces the same brassica pest guild as its relatives: aphids colonise stems, cabbage white caterpillars chew leaves, and flea beetles create shot-holes. Slugs damage seedlings overnight. Because it is typically grown from direct-sown seed in gaps and pots, early slug damage to seedlings is the most critical threat.

Seedlings severed or entirely consumed at ground level shortly after germination; slime trails visible. Scatter iron phosphate pellets before seedlings emerge; use grit or copper tape around pot rims; hand-pick at dusk.

Colonies on stems and young leaves; sticky residue; distorted shoot tips. Spray with insecticidal soap; rub off clusters by hand; encourage natural predators.

Tiny round holes across leaves; seedlings most at risk; adults jump when leaves are touched. Cover with insect mesh; apply diatomaceous earth around base; keep plants well-watered for faster growth.