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Opium poppy · Papaver somniferum

Why are there bugs on my opium poppy?

Aphids are the most common visitors to opium poppies, especially when the flower buds start to form. Check the stems and buds closely to see if these tiny insects are clustering there.

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

Check these first

  1. Look closely at the flower buds.
  2. Check the undersides of the leaves for small clusters of insects.
  3. Look for sticky residue on the leaves.

Likely causes

  1. Aphid Infestation

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see small green or black insects clustered on the stems and flower buds. They suck the sap and can cause the buds to look distorted.

    What to do: Spray the aphids off with a strong stream of water from your garden hose. If they persist, apply a gentle insecticidal soap or neem oil in the early morning.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your opium poppy

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

A few aphids are usually manageable, but if they cover the entire bud and the plant starts to look stunted, you need to act. If the plant is already blooming, be careful not to spray the flowers directly.

Stopping it coming back

Encourage ladybugs and lacewings in your garden, as they are natural predators that eat aphids. Avoid heavy nitrogen fertilizers, which can attract more aphids.

Opium poppy: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your opium poppy 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.

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Questions people ask

Will aphids kill my poppies?
They rarely kill a healthy, mature plant, but they can ruin the flower buds and prevent them from opening properly.
Can I use chemical pesticides?
Avoid harsh chemicals, as they will kill the beneficial insects that help keep the aphid population in check.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Opium poppy

Back to the Opium poppy guide

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