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Chives have black flies or black aphids

IlikeplantsIlikeplants Posts: 894
in Plants
Anyone else the same? Looks so unappealing. I’ve just cut most of them down but is there anything else I can do?

Posts

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    Are they a little congested?  That can result in aphid problems. Now can be a good time of year to split them and replant. The soil’s still warm and they’ll get settled quickly ready to make a prompt appearance next spring. 😊 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • philippasmith2philippasmith2 Posts: 3,742
    Never come across that problem with Chives - in fact, one of the best "salads" which are always happy and prolific for me.
    I split and replanted mine a few weeks ago and they are growing away well with no sign of insects.  They certainly benefit from that treatment - more than once a year here in SW UK.
    I like to leave some clumps to age a bit and produce flowers as I use them as often as possible.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    I wonder if they might be late Pollen beetles …. the seasons have been so out of kilter …

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • IlikeplantsIlikeplants Posts: 894
    Not pollen beetles which I’ve seen on squash flowers @Dovefromabove . These are horrible black aphids, I’ve been googling and they do seem to hit chives, spring onions and garlic chives (even all over the white flowers). This is one recipe suggested.

    Another used just baking soda, oil and water. I think I have to try something. I do have a commercial pest spray for edibles that I haven’t used yet too.
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