Hollyhocks are quite robust. Nevertheless, they are repeatedly attacked by pests. You can get rid of them with simple measures.
Hollyhocks are really popular with gardeners. And not without reason, of course. In a sunny location, they will bloom into autumn. They are very easy to care for, undemanding and largely insensitive. But that doesn't mean that the hollyhock can't still be attacked by pests.
If an infestation occurs, you should react promptly to save the diseased plant. You have a number of options and resources at your disposal. But beware! You should only reach for the chemical club if biological and natural remedies are ineffective.
Which pests make hollyhocks dangerous?
Hollyhocks attract various pests. The leaves are a popular food source for snails, sawflies, spider mites, caterpillars and beetles. Also, hollyhock flea beetles and hollyhock shrews can attack the plants.
You can recognize the feeding pests by looking closely at the leaves. Sometimes there are only signs of feeding on the foliage. Jagged leaf edges and small holes in the leaves indicate a low infestation. If the leaves are completely eaten away, the situation is clear anyway.
Preventing pests on hollyhocks
He althy, strong plants and an optimal location are the best prevention. Fertilize your hollyhocks with a commercially available flowering plant fertilizer every two to three weeks. Hollyhocks love the sun, so the location should be warm and sheltered. When the moisture balance is in balance, pests also have fewer chances. The plants need regular watering. You should avoid waterlogging, as it weakens your immune system.
Biological control of pests on hollyhocks
If there are only a few feeding pests on the plant, simply collect the hungry little animals. In the case of a stronger infestation, natural remedies can help.
➜ Nettle manure
You can successfully fight aphids and other pests with nettle manure - if you are not sensitive to the smell yourself, because the manure will develop youunpleasant smell.
» This is how it works: Put the crushed nettle leaves in a bucket of rainwater and leave the mixture to stand for a few days. The finished liquid manure is diluted with water and can be sprayed.
» My tip: A lye made from curd soap and water is odorless, but just as effective. Spray in the morning, then the effect is best.
➜ Loosen up the soil
The mallow flea usually appears when the soil is too dry. In this case, watering and loosening the earth will help. An insider tip is a match that you stick into the ground with the sulfur head.
➜ Fight snails
As long as only a few are on the road, collecting helps. If there is an increased occurrence, slug pellets make sense. Although this is not biological, it is very efficient when there is a slug infestation. You also protect all other plants in your garden.
If the pest infestation is very severe, an insecticide is needed. If the plants cannot be saved, dig up the hollyhocks and their roots and destroy them. But not on the compost, since the pests would continue to spread unhindered.