Pest identification
What's eating my winter tarragon?
Aphids
Signs: Soft shoot tips colonised by clusters of small insects; sticky honeydew and distorted new growth.
Control: Knock off with a strong jet of water or spray with insecticidal soap; natural predators such as ladybirds usually keep numbers low.
Slugs and snails
Signs: Irregular holes eaten in stems and leaves, especially on young plants after rain.
Control: Remove by hand; use iron-phosphate pellets around plants; improve drainage to reduce slug habitat.
Keep winter tarragon pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Winter Tarragon pests — FAQ
What is eating my winter tarragon?
Winter tarragon (Tagetes filifolia) is a finely-leaved Tagetes herb whose aromatic foliage naturally repels many insects — related species are actually used as companion plants against aphids and whitefly. Aphids and slugs are the main occasional threats in garden beds. Wet soil and poor drainage are a greater risk than pests.
How do I get rid of aphids on winter tarragon?
Soft shoot tips colonised by clusters of small insects; sticky honeydew and distorted new growth. Knock off with a strong jet of water or spray with insecticidal soap; natural predators such as ladybirds usually keep numbers low.
How do I get rid of slugs and snails on winter tarragon?
Irregular holes eaten in stems and leaves, especially on young plants after rain. Remove by hand; use iron-phosphate pellets around plants; improve drainage to reduce slug habitat.