Will aphids kill my hedge mustard?

A heavy infestation can stunt growth and weaken the plant significantly. It is best to treat them as soon as you spot them.

Yes, neem oil is effective against aphids. Apply it in the evening to avoid burning the leaves in the sun.

Hedge mustard: pests, causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of leaves for clusters of small insects.
Check for sticky residue on the stems.
Verify the plant is getting at least 6 hours of direct sun.

Likely causes

Aphid infestation
Most likely
How to tell: You will see small green or black insects clustered on stems and new leaves. 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 every 5 to 7 days until they are gone.
Environmental stress
Possible
How to tell: Plants that are already stressed by poor light or inconsistent water are more attractive to pests. The plant may look generally weak or wilted.
What to do: Move your plant to a spot with full sun. Ensure you are watering every 3 to 7 days to keep the soil consistently moist.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your hedge mustard

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

It is serious if the leaves begin to curl or turn yellow from the sap loss. A few stray bugs are normal, but a full colony needs immediate action.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your plant healthy with consistent watering and full sun to make it less appealing to pests. Check your plants weekly for early signs of activity.

Hedge mustard: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your hedge mustard 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 hedge mustard?: A heavy infestation can stunt growth and weaken the plant significantly. It is best to treat them as soon as you spot them.
Can I use neem oil?: Yes, neem oil is effective against aphids. Apply it in the evening to avoid burning the leaves in the sun.

Guides to these causes

Aphids

Why does my hedge mustard have tiny bugs on it?