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Marigold · Tagetes

Why are there bugs on my marigold?

Marigolds are tough, but they can still attract unwanted visitors like spider mites or aphids. Check the undersides of your leaves to see what is hiding there.

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

Check these first

  1. Inspect the undersides of the leaves with a magnifying glass.
  2. Look for fine webbing between the stems.
  3. Check the new growth for clusters of small insects.

Likely causes

  1. Spider Mites

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see tiny white stippling on the leaves and fine webbing between stems.

    What to do: Blast the plant with a strong stream of water to knock them off. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap every 5 to 7 days until they are gone.

  2. Aphids

    Most likely

    How to tell: Look for clusters of tiny green or black insects on the new growth and flower buds.

    What to do: Wipe them off with a damp cloth or spray the plant with a gentle mixture of water and a drop of dish soap. Repeat this every few days until the colony disappears.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your marigold

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

Worry if the leaves start turning yellow or the plant stops growing. A few bugs are manageable, but a full infestation can kill the plant.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your plants healthy with proper watering and good air circulation. Avoid over fertilizing, as high nitrogen levels attract aphids.

Marigold: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your marigold 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

Can I use neem oil on my marigolds?
Yes, neem oil is effective against both mites and aphids. Apply it in the evening to avoid burning the leaves in the sun.
Will these pests spread to my other plants?
Yes, both spider mites and aphids move quickly to nearby plants. Isolate your marigold until the infestation is cleared.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Marigold

Back to the Marigold 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.