Not to worry, we’ve got everything you need to know about who might visit your sunnies for a nibble, including what they look like, and how you can deal with them.

We link to vendors to help you find relevant products. If you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

When to Look for What

The list of pests that like to nibble on Helianthus can be a little daunting, but if we break this up into groups of which insects to watch out for during the different plant development stages, it becomes a lot simpler to understand and plan for.

Seedlings attract cutworms, wireworms, and sunflower beetles.

During the vegetative state, which is when the plant is growing those tall stems and big leaves, keep an eye out for sunflower beetles, thistle caterpillars, and stem weevils.

And finally, during flowering and seed development, watch for seed and head clipping weevils, maggots, sunflower midges, sunflower moths, and lygus bugs.

Of course, aphids can be a problem at any time.

Keep reading to learn more about each of these pests and how to control them.

Aphids

Like many other plants, Helianthus attracts a variety of aphid types, including the melon, peach, and leaf curling plum aphid.

Regardless of the type, aphids are small insects that will suck on leaves, young stems, and flower petals. They also secrete honeydew, which ants and painted lady butterflies like to feed on, and which can develop sooty mold.

Bonide Insecticidal Soap

Insecticidal soaps, such as this one from Bonide that’s available at Arbico

flowers plants sunflowers seeds Edible Flowers Sylvia Dekker