What's eating my cosmos 'sensation'?

Cosmos 'Sensation' is a lightweight annual with relatively few serious pest problems, but aphids on soft shoot tips, thrips on the flowers, and slugs on seedlings are the main threats. The feathery foliage is less palatable to many chewing insects. Rabbits and deer occasionally browse young plants. Overall, it is one of the most pest-resistant annuals you can grow.

Green or black aphid colonies on growing tips and flower buds; curled new growth and sticky honeydew residue. Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; water jet to dislodge; allow natural predators like ladybirds to build up.

Pale streaks or silvery stippling on petals; blooms may be distorted; tiny insects visible inside open flowers. Hang blue or yellow sticky traps; apply spinosad spray for severe outbreaks; remove and bin badly affected blooms.

Seedlings and young transplants severed at soil level; ragged holes in lower leaves with silvery slime trails. Protect seedlings with copper rings or grit; scatter iron phosphate bait; transplant well-grown plants which are more resistant.