Ever wondered how you can repel aphids without using any chemicals? Luckily, several plants act as natural aphid repellents.
These plants release a substance that aphids don’t like, which drives them away. This substance is known as an “allelochemical.”
Allelochemicals are naturally occurring chemicals that play a role in plant communication. They can defend against pests, attract pollinators, and more.
In this guide, we’ll discuss seven plants that repel aphids. We’ll also provide tips on using them to deter aphids from your garden.
What are Aphids?
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on plants. They pierce plant tissue with their mouthparts and suck out the sap. Aphids can weaken plants and make them more susceptible to disease. They also produce a sticky substance called honeydew, which can attract other pests, like ants.
Aphids come in many colors, including green, yellow, brown, and black. The green peach aphid is the most common type in North America.
Aphids reproduce quickly and can have several generations per year. One female aphid can produce up to 250 offspring in her lifetime!
7 Plants That Repel Aphids
Many plants release allelochemicals that repel aphids. Here are seven of the best:
1. Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are a type of flowering plant in the genus Tropaeolum. They’re native to South America but have been introduced to other parts of the world, like North America and Europe.
Nasturtiums contain high mustard oil levels, an allelopathic compound that repels aphids. Studies have shown that nasturtiums are effective at repelling up to 60% of aphids!
2. Garlic
Garlic (Allium sativum) is a popular culinary herb that’s also effective at repelling aphids. It contains several compounds, like allicin and diallyl sulfides, which give it its characteristic odor.
These compounds are also allelopathic and help to repel aphids and other pests.
3. Onion
This might surprise you, but onions (Allium cepa) can also repel aphids! Like garlic, onions contain allelopathic compounds that help to drive away pests.
When you plant onions in your garden, keep them away from other plants. The compounds they release can also harm other plants!
4. Basil
Basil is one of the most popular herbs in the world. It’s used in various dishes, from pesto to Caprese salad.
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) also contains high essential oils, like eugenol. These oils are allelopathic and help to repel aphids and other pests. Basil is one of the best herbs to plant if you’re looking for natural pest control.
5. Rosemary
Despite smelling wonderful, rosemary is another essential natural repellent of aphids, whiteflies, and caterpillars. It also helps to improve the overall health of your plants.
6. Marigolds
Marigolds (Tagetes spp.) are annual flowering plants native to North and South America. They’re popular garden plants because they’re easy to grow and bloom for a long time.
Marigolds also contain high levels of pyrethrin, which is a natural insecticide. This compound helps to repel aphids, whiteflies, and other pests.
7. Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums (Dendranthema spp.) are another type of plant that contains pyrethrin. This natural insecticide helps to repel aphids, whiteflies, and other pests.
Chrysanthemums are also effective at repelling mosquitoes!
Conclusion
Many plants can help to repel aphids. Nasturtiums, garlic, onions, basil, rosemary, marigolds, and chrysanthemums are great options.
When you’re planting these repellent plants, make sure to keep them away from other plants. The allelopathic compounds they release can harm other plants.
You can also try planting a combination of these plants to create an effective barrier against aphids.
