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Sawflies decimating my pelargoniums

AngelicantAngelicant Posts: 130
in Problem solving
More or less given up with them this year. I have never had quite so many holes in the flowers and the leaves. Pelargoniums are not really one of my favourite plants as I prefer perennials but always have  some in pots to fill a gap or brighten up a hanging basket. I am gradually removing them and repotting or taking cuttings for next year where I can as I believe they pupate in the soil. Does anyone know of any way of controlling them without pesticides?

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Not something I've ever had, although I don't grow them very often. I expect you'd just have to pick them off as soon as you see them. Difficult if there's a lot though.
    Taking cuttings, as you're doing, and keeping them somewhere else, is probably the best solution. Perhaps bring them indoors too?
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Arthur1Arthur1 Posts: 542
    They will overwinter in the soil/compost at the base of the plants. Won't help you this year but you would break the cycle of re infection if you covered the compost or replaced it completely.
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