Dahlia aphids?

willinglearner · July 2022

I have a few Dahlias who until recently were doing fine and I was eagerly looking forward to their blooming. I went away for a few days and came back to a multitude of little black Aphids? (I think) havong a free meal. today my most robust Dahlia as well as wilting is showing dark discolouration on the leaves. The Aphids? just seemed to laugh at my soapy water spray so I am hoping somebody can tell me - What they are (do they have a nest that needs destroying) and what can I now do to revive my ailing plants. Thank you

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/6030279/uploads/editor/0u/otccy2rr3z9h.jpg

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/6030279/uploads/editor/2z/686ckprbqwuc.jpg

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/6030279/uploads/editor/qh/hzc75mauc344.jpg

punkdoc · July 2022

No they don't have a nest. You can remove them by hand, or a jet of water from a hose.
Are they short of water?

willinglearner · July 2022

I dont think they were greatly short of water however I have just watered them with a little added root feed. What are these little devils pls?

nick615 · July 2022

IF....they're really aphids, boil rhubarb leaves, allow to cool, strain, put the liquid into a surplus household spray and spray the dahlias. Keep some for when rhubarb has died back.

Arthur1 · July 2022

Photo certainly looks like aphids. However, they won't cause the wilting. That looks more like a root and/or water problem

Jenny_Aster · July 2022

I'm having to go round the dahlias every other day to wash off the black fly, most of the time the jet water spray doesn't move them so I help them along with a finger and a thumb. Horrible job, but I'm getting used to it.

Noticed them more on the dahlias that are in full sun, whereas the ones partly shaded don't get bothered with them much.

Think maybe there's a connection between black fly and plants getting distressed by being too hot or being parched.

Just wondering if there's a 'season' for blackfly? Or do I have to wait until the frost?

Dahlia aphids?

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