You’re probably aware that just about any plant attracts some sort of insect, and in many cases, this can be positive, such as those that attract bees, butterflies, or ladybugs. However, other plants attract more frustrating insects, most of which would be considered to be pests. Therefore, you may want to avoid planting the following popular garden plants that can attract an overwhelming number of these pesky insects.
Roses
It’s easy to see why people love to grow roses; they’re a classic garden staple with a beautiful aesthetic and a flawlessly sweet scent. Unfortunately, though, their delicate petals tend to attract aphids in droves, and these tiny pests will cluster on the rose’s stems, draining the plant of nutrients and leaving behind sticky honeydew. Worse still, this residue attracts more pests and encourages mold growth, making roses a high-maintenance choice for gardeners wary of infestations.
Basil
Nobody can deny that basil is worth growing just for its refreshing aroma and culinary uses, but it is concerningly vulnerable to aphids and whiteflies. These pests can quickly settle on the tender leaves, weakening the plant over time. Even Japanese beetles can occasionally bother basil, so regular checks will be necessary if you are determined to grow basil outdoors. Personally, though, we’d recommend keeping it inside.
Tomatoes
It’s a truly rewarding experience to grow your own tomatoes, but annoyingly, they do draw a crowd of troublesome pests–especially aphids and hornworms. There’s more bad news, as these insects are notorious for damaging both the foliage and the fruit, leaving tomato plants struggling to produce a healthy crop. Thankfully, though, diligent monitoring and early treatment should be enough to help prevent pests from overrunning these juicy plants.
Marigolds
Interestingly, marigolds are often used to deter pests in the garden, but in contrast, they can also attract spider mites and aphids, especially in humid conditions. Yes, these flowers do repel certain insects, but their bright blooms are irresistible to other small bugs that feed on plant sap. So, keep marigolds under close watch, as they can sometimes attract more pests than they repel, particularly when the weather is moist.
Dahlias
Dahlias add vibrant color to any garden, but perhaps unsurprisingly, they also bring in aphids, caterpillars, and thrips. Paradoxically, their soft petals and foliage make a perfect hiding spot for these insects, which can spread diseases and weaken the plant. Without careful pruning and pest management, dahlias can struggle to bloom as pests feast on their energy.
Peppers
Peppers are a garden favorite in the world of veggie growers, but their spicy allure doesn’t keep pests away. It’s a frustrating fact of gardening that they attract aphids, flea beetles, and even pepper weevils, and the damage these pests cause can be extensive, especially if you’re hoping for a large harvest. As with most plants on this list, routine inspection and early treatment are essential to keep your peppers healthy.
Zinnias
Another popular garden plant that can attract an excess of pests is the zinnia, a colorful, hardy flower that is otherwise a dream to grow. Sadly, though, aphids, caterpillars, and spider mites love feeding on zinnia sap, leaving behind curled or discolored leaves. Therefore, while zinnias are generally easy to grow, their attractiveness to pests requires a bit of vigilance to maintain their vibrant blooms and lush foliage.
Squash
Another vegetable that has been cut is the squash plant, which is infamous for drawing in pests, particularly its namesake squash bugs and vine borers. These pests can cause significant damage to the vines, often leading to plant collapse if left unchecked, so you’ll need to stay on top of this. Don’t forget to look under the squash leaves, where these nuisances love to hide.
Cucumbers
Any gardener would agree that the high yield of cucumber plants makes them worthwhile, but they do have a habit of attracting cucumber beetles, which feed on both the leaves and the fruit. To make matters worse, these beetles can spread bacterial wilt, a disease that causes leaves to wither and die. Just keep on top of these beetles, though, and the sheer number of cucumbers you will harvest should make up for the trouble.
Nasturtiums
Despite their unappealing name, nasturtiums bring cheerful color to a garden and act as a trap crop for aphids and cabbage worms. While this can keep pests away from other plants, it means nasturtiums often end up heavily infested, so if you plant nasturtiums as a pest deterrent, be prepared to sacrifice some of their vibrant blooms to keep other parts of the garden pest-free.
Sunflowers
Sunflowers are loved by just about anyone, and unfortunately, this includes aphids and beetles, which flock to these towering beauties. Such pests can overwhelm sunflower stalks and leaves, affecting their growth and health, which can be rather upsetting to see. Indeed, sunflowers are hardy plants, but that won’t stop a severe infestation from stunting their growth. Consider planting them with pest-resistant companions to minimize damage, and your sunflowers should be able to thrive.
Mint
Mint spreads quickly and is generally easy to grow, but it also attracts flea beetles, aphids, and spider mites. These pests love this plant’s tender leaves, and once established, they can be hard to remove. As a result, regular pruning and occasional soap sprays will be necessary to deter these tiny troublemakers, but by doing so, you should be able to keep your mint fresh and fragrant for kitchen use.
Petunias
When it comes to flowers, you won’t find many that have blooms that are quite as delightful as the petunia, which makes it even more sad that they invite aphids, caterpillars, and leaf miners so freely. Frustratingly, these pests will chew on the petunias’ petals and leaves, leaving holes and ragged edges that reduce the plant’s appeal. Because of this, petunias require some extra attention, but frequent inspections should help to minimize damage.
Cabbage
The last entry on this list of pest-susceptible plants is the humble cabbage plant, along with other members of the brassica family. Anyone who has grown cabbage before will know that they’re highly attractive to cabbage root flies, worms, aphids, and flea beetles, all of which can make light work of an otherwise healthy cabbage leaf. That’s why we recommend covering cabbage plants with a fine mesh and regularly checking for eggs, a process that should help you enjoy a pest-free harvest.