Will aphids kill my chicory?

Usually not, but they can weaken the plant and stunt its growth. It is best to manage them early before they multiply.

Can I eat the leaves if I have aphids?

Yes, just wash the leaves thoroughly in cool water to remove the insects and any residue. They are perfectly safe to eat once cleaned.

Why are there bugs on my chicory plant? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of leaves for clusters of tiny insects.
Check the new growth tips for sticky residue.
Look for ants, as they often farm aphids for their honeydew.

Likely causes

Aphid infestation
Most likely
How to tell: You will see small green or black insects huddled on the undersides of leaves or near the flower buds. They often leave behind a sticky residue called honeydew.
What to do: Spray the plant with a strong stream of water from your hose to knock them off. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil once a week until they are gone.
Excessive nitrogen fertilizer
Possible
How to tell: The plant has very lush, soft growth that seems to attract more bugs than usual. Aphids thrive on this tender, nitrogen rich tissue.
What to do: Stop fertilizing for the rest of the season. Switch to a balanced, slow release fertilizer next year to encourage sturdier growth.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your chicory

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.

When to worry

A few aphids are normal, but you should act if you see them covering large sections of the plant or if the leaves start to curl.

Stopping it coming back

Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs to visit your garden by planting flowers nearby. Keep your chicory healthy with proper spacing to improve airflow.

Chicory: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your chicory and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Will aphids kill my chicory?: Usually not, but they can weaken the plant and stunt its growth. It is best to manage them early before they multiply.
Can I eat the leaves if I have aphids?: Yes, just wash the leaves thoroughly in cool water to remove the insects and any residue. They are perfectly safe to eat once cleaned.

Guides to these causes

Aphids

Why are there bugs on my chicory plant?