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Corn Cockle · Agrostemma githago

Why are there bugs on my Corn Cockle?

Pests on Corn Cockle are almost always aphids that cluster on the tender new growth. Check the undersides of your leaves and the tips of the stems for these tiny visitors.

pests on a plant
Photo: Jules Verne Times Two, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Look for clusters of tiny green or black insects on new growth.
  2. Check for sticky residue on the leaves.
  3. Examine the undersides of leaves for webbing.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see small, soft bodied insects clustered on the stems and new leaves. They often leave behind a sticky substance called honeydew.

    What to do: Blast the aphids off with a strong stream of water from your hose. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap every 5 days until they are gone.

  2. Spider Mites

    Possible

    How to tell: This is less common for this plant and usually happens during hot, dry spells. Look for fine webbing between the leaves and tiny yellow stippling on the surface.

    What to do: Increase the humidity around the plant by misting it in the early morning. Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth to remove the mites.

Find out what's wrong with your corn cockle

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

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When to worry

If the plant is covered in insects and the leaves are curling or yellowing, you need to act quickly. A few stray bugs are normal in an outdoor garden.

Stopping it coming back

Check your plants every 3 to 7 days when you water to catch any infestations early.

Keep your corn cockle healthy from here

Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.

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Questions people ask

Can I use neem oil on my Corn Cockle?
Yes, neem oil is effective against aphids. Apply it in the evening to avoid burning the leaves in the sun.
Will these bugs spread to my other plants?
Yes, aphids move quickly between plants. It is best to treat the infested plant immediately to protect your garden.

More problems with Corn Cockle

Back to the Corn Cockle guide

This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.