This isn’t the first time I’ve talked about aphids. I have seen aphids on most of my vegetables, as I am from a warmer region. In this article, I will tell you how to get rid of aphids on Broccoli.
Note: Controlling aphids on flowering/ornamental plants and edible plants should not be in the same way.
Yes, to help pollinators, I always recommend organic ways to control pests like aphids. And when it comes to edible plants, you and your family will consume them, so you need to be more serious about the steps you take.
It’s easy to wash vegetables like eggplant or peppers, but veggies like broccoli are different. When aphids get into them, it’s much harder to clean them properly—you know what I mean. (Especially with cabbage)
There are some preventive measures you can take to keep aphids away from your broccoli plants. At first, I will talk about these, and then I will discuss what to do to get rid of aphids on a broccoli plant.
What to do so that aphids don't attack our broccoli plants
- Keep your broccoli plant healthy and strong. Healthy plants are more resistant. But avoid excessive nitrogen.
- Check the bottom side of the leaves regularly.
- Ladybugs and other beneficial insects, such as lacewings, eat aphids. Welcome them.
- Water spray twice a week.
- Make sure you are planting at the right time.
If you don't know when the best time is for planting broccoli, you can check the homepage of this website, and you will find planting charts for Zone 6, 7, 8, and 9. (You can also click on the numbers to open a specific planting chart)
If you can maintain all the above-mentioned points, the chances of aphids attacking your broccoli plant are almost zero.
Don't you think that aphids are gonna love a healthy plant more than a weak plant? (As they need more plant juice to eat)
I had the same question when I was younger. I believe what I see.
Healthy plants can respond in a better way when aphids attack with their piercing-sucking mouthparts. Plants can produce secondary metabolites ( tannins or alkaloids) when they are attacked by aphids.
I am not going deep into the biology. Whatever the plant is producing makes the sap or plant juice taste bitter (and obviously toxic to insects like aphids).
If you feed your plant too much nitrogen, aphids are gonna love that.
Over-fertilized plants undergo a process where their internal proteins are broken down into simpler amino acids. There are lots of nitrogen in amino acid and aphids love that.
How to get rid of aphids on broccoli plants
If your broccoli plant is already infested by aphids, you can use baking soda with dishwashing soap.
Take 1 liter of water in a container. Add 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 tablespoon of dishwashing liquid, and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil (Olive oil works well. Been trying for a long time).
Now mix it well and pour in a spray bottle. Spray this liquid mix on your broccoli plant. (Make sure you do not miss any part of your plant)
Remember, the attack always starts with the bottom side of the leaves.
Note: DO NOT spray when the sun is on the top of your head. If you ask why? I suggested using vegetable oil, and your plant can get sunburn.
If there is any part that is heavily infested by aphids, just trim that part and throw it away.
You can also mix neem oil with water and a bit of mild soap. Keep spraying it twice a week, and the aphids will be killed. They will not think of even returning.
Companion planting for broccoli to repel aphids
You can plant onions, beets, and garlic near your broccoli plants. This will reduce the chances of aphid attacks.
I know companion planting is more like a controversy, as people often debate. But I personally like it.
You can check my companion planting guide from here: companion plants for veggies
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