How to Get Rid of Aphids on Autumn Sage Plants

As a gardener, dealing with pests like aphids on your plants can be extremely frustrating. Aphids are tiny sap-sucking insects that can quickly infest and damage plants Autumn sage (Salvia greggii) is an especially common target for aphids The good news is there are several effective organic and natural methods to get rid of aphids on autumn sage. In this article, we’ll walk through the best techniques and products to eliminate aphids from your sage plants.

Why Aphids Attack Autumn Sage

Before diving into solutions, let’s take a quick look at why aphids are attracted to autumn sage in the first place.

• Sap-sucking insects – Aphids feed by sucking sap from plants The tender new growth on autumn sage is the perfect feeding ground

• Quick to reproduce – Aphids have extremely high reproductive rates, with females giving birth to live young. This allows their numbers to explode rapidly.

• Young plants vulnerable – While aphids will attack autumn sage at any age, young plants are especially susceptible to infestation.

• Stressed plants targeted – Any stresses like inadequate water, too much fertilizer, or overcrowding can make sage more appealing to aphids.

Knowing what attracts aphids to your plants helps you prevent as well as treat infestations. With that in mind, let’s look at effective solutions.

Remove Aphids by Hand

The first approach I always try against any garden pest is simple physical removal. Especially when an infestation is caught early, manually removing aphids can nip the problem in the bud.

Here are a few hand removal techniques:

• Knock aphids into water – Use a stick or hose to knock aphids off stems and leaves into a bucket of soapy water. The soap helps break the surface tension so the insects drown.

• Prune infested growth – Clip off and dispose of any highly infested stems or leaves. This instantly reduces aphid numbers.

• Squash gently – Crushing aphids between your thumb and forefinger can control isolated colonies. Take care not to damage the plant.

• Wash plants with water – Use a strong stream of water to wash away aphid colonies from leaves and stems. Repeat as needed.

While effective for mild infestations, removing aphids by hand becomes impractical for larger outbreaks. In that case, turn to natural sprays and beneficial insects for more thorough control.

Make Natural and Organic Sprays

When hand removal fails to knock back an advanced aphid colony, botanical or soap-based sprays are the next line of defense. These natural solutions are safe for plants and the environment but tough on sap-sucking insects like aphids.

Insecticidal Soap

Insecticidal soap sprays disrupt the cellular membranes of soft-bodied insects like aphids, leading to dehydration and death.

Mix 2-3 tablespoons of liquid soap with 1 quart of water and spray plants, including the undersides of leaves, until dripping wet. Avoid doing this in direct sun or high temperatures. Repeat every 5-7 days as needed.

Neem Oil

Extracted from the neem tree, this oil coats insects and interferes with their feeding, movement, and reproduction.

Follow label directions to mix neem oil with water and spray thoroughly on infested sage plants every 7-14 days. Do this in early morning or evening to avoid damaging leaves.

Essential Oils

Oils from plants like rosemary, peppermint, and thyme have natural insecticidal effects against aphids.

Add 5-10 drops of essential oil to 1 cup of water mixed with 1 teaspoon liquid soap. Spray this on sage foliage, including the undersides of leaves. Reapply every 5-7 days until aphids are gone.

Soap & Water

A simple spray of 2-3 tablespoons mild liquid soap diluted in 1 quart water can help control light aphid populations. Thoroughly wet all plant surfaces and repeat as needed.

Always check the undersides of leaves for any remaining colonies. Aphids often hide on the undersides and inner stems where it’s harder for sprays to reach.

Unleash Natural Predators

In addition to sprays, introducing natural predators is an organic way to eliminate aphids from your autumn sage. These creatures feed on aphids, keeping their populations in check naturally:

• Ladybugs – These popular spotted beetles are voracious aphid predators in both larval and adult form. Buy live ladybugs from garden centers or attract wild ones with flowering plants.

• Lacewings – The larvae of green lacewings consume huge numbers of aphids. Adults lay eggs near prey for the larvae to emerge right next to food.

• Hoverflies – Hoverfly maggots are also major aphid predators. Plant pollen and nectar-producing flowers to draw in the adults.

• Birds – Many songbirds like chickadees, warblers, and finches eat aphids. Set up a birdbath and native plants to encourage them.

A combination of predator insects and birds can keep aphids controlled in the garden all season long as part of an integrated pest management plan.

Use Row Covers as Preventive Barrier

Fabric row covers act as a physical barrier that prevents winged aphids from reaching plants while allowing air, light, and water through.

Drape these lightweight covers over autumn sage plants in early spring before aphids take flight. Anchor the edges with stones, boards, or landscape pins.

Remove the covers when the plants start blooming so pollinators can reach the flowers.

By excluding aphids during peak colonization periods, row covers can stop infestations before they start. They’re ideal for organic prevention on young sage plants.

Fertilize & Water Appropriately

As mentioned earlier, stressed autumn sage plants are more vulnerable to aphids. Proper fertilization and irrigation helps keep your sage healthy and less appealing to pests.

Use a balanced organic fertilizer according to label directions to provide nutrients without chemical salts that can burn roots.

Water sage deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to partially dry out between waterings. Test soil moisture with your finger before watering.

Healthy, vigorous sage repels aphids much better than stressed, neglected plants. Proper care makes a big difference.

Monitor Regularly for Reinfestation

Even after treating and removing aphids, keep a close eye on autumn sage for reinfestation. Aphids reproduce rapidly, so there’s always a risk colonies can return.

Inspect the undersides of leaves thoroughly at least once a week. Also scout nearby plants the aphids could spread to.

Catching a new infestation early allows you to quickly control it before major damage occurs. Don’t let your guard down.

With diligent monitoring and the repeated use of organic sprays, predators, and prevention methods, you can keep your autumn sage free of sap-sucking aphids. It may take persistence, but your effort will pay off with healthy, vigorous plants all season long.

I hope these comprehensive tips for getting rid of aphids on autumn sage give you effective solutions to protect your plants. Don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any other questions!