Pest identification
What's eating my signet marigold?
Spider mites (Tetranychus urticae)
Signs: Fine pale stippling on foliage; webbing visible in heavy infestations; leaves dry out and drop
Control: Water stress makes this worse — keep consistently moist; neem oil spray; strong water jets to dislodge mites
Aphids
Signs: Small soft insects on shoot tips; sticky residue and slight leaf curl
Control: Water jet; insecticidal soap spray; natural predators (lacewing larvae, ladybirds)
Slugs and snails
Signs: Seedlings chewed at base; ragged holes in lower leaves
Control: Iron phosphate pellets; remove leaf litter; hand-pick at night
Keep signet marigold pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Signet marigold pests — FAQ
What is eating my signet marigold?
Signet marigolds (Tagetes tenuifolia) are the most aromatic and pest-resistant of the marigolds, with finely divided foliage that deters most insects. Spider mites remain a risk in hot, dry spells. Slugs can chew seedlings, and aphids occasionally colonise new shoots. Overall pest pressure is low — good air circulation is the main preventive.
How do I get rid of spider mites (tetranychus urticae) on signet marigold?
Fine pale stippling on foliage; webbing visible in heavy infestations; leaves dry out and drop Water stress makes this worse — keep consistently moist; neem oil spray; strong water jets to dislodge mites
How do I get rid of aphids on signet marigold?
Small soft insects on shoot tips; sticky residue and slight leaf curl Water jet; insecticidal soap spray; natural predators (lacewing larvae, ladybirds)
How do I get rid of slugs and snails on signet marigold?
Seedlings chewed at base; ragged holes in lower leaves Iron phosphate pellets; remove leaf litter; hand-pick at night