Some plants are spared aphids (Aphidoidea) during cooking because they have an intense smell. This property can be used in a targeted manner in mixed cultures to protect plants that are susceptible to lice.
In a nutshell
- Plant intensively scented herbs against aphids
- annual herbs well suited for vegetable beds
- some protective plants are themselves susceptible to pests
- Mediterranean herbs are an annual culture for vegetable beds
Plants that don't like aphids from A to N
Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica)
- protects fruit tree crops from aphids
- perennial
- reproduces itself by seeds or runners
- Mow twice a year
Savory (Satureja montana)
- drives away lice on beans
- annual or perennial varieties
- propagate annual varieties by sowing
- Propagate perennial varieties by division
- can be processed with beans
- Flowers attract beneficial insects
Garden cress (Lepidium sativum)
- is avoided by aphids because of the ingredients
- annual
- Propagation by seed
- Self-sowing possible during the year
- undemanding culture
- short culture period
- do not plant in mixed cultures with other cruciferous plants
Oats (Avena sativa)
- only provides limited protection against lice
- annual
- Propagation by seed
- good neighborhood with broad beans
- suitable as green manure
- Oat green harvestable
- Oat seeds can only be used with suitable equipment
Chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium)
- biological remedy against lice in cabbage species
- prevents aphid infestation in lettuce
- annual
- Propagation by sowing
- multiplies by self-seeding
- Cover only lightly with soil when growing
Tip: Chervil in cabbage plants not only helps against aphids, but also prevents infestation by cabbage whites.
Garlic (Allium sativum)
- prevents aphids on strawberries
- annual or biennial
- Propagation via seeds, spring onions or onion sets
- Cultivation possible in autumn or spring
- strengthens plants in the immediate vicinity
- fungicidal properties
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
- protects roses from aphids
- perennial
- can be propagated by cuttings
- good underplanting for perennial plants
- prefers sunny locations
- Lavender decoction can be used as a spray against aphids
- Flowers popular with bees and butterflies
Tip: Lavender and sage as underplanting not only keep aphids away, they can also be used to suppress weeds in the perennial bed.
Mint (Mentha)
- Odor works against aphids
- perennial
- Propagation by cuttings or by division
- partially spreading
- Prefer peppermint (Mentha × piperita).
Notice: Some mint species are themselves susceptible to aphids. This includes, for example, apple mint.
O to Z
Oregano (Origanum vulgare)
- Smell repels aphids
- annual or perennial
- Propagation by seed or division
- lean and sunny locations preferred
- ideal underplanting for roses
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)
- is avoided due to the ingredients of aphids
- annual; blooms in the second year
- Propagation by sowing
- requires nutrient-rich and slightly moist soil
- susceptible to voles
- limited frost resistance
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
- Essential oils repel aphids
- perennial
- Propagation via cuttings
- limited frost resistance
- Needles can be used as a decoction against aphids
Sage (Salvia officinalis)
- Essential oils repel aphids
- perennial
- Propagation via seeds or cuttings
- suitable as underplanting for perennial shrubs
- sunny locations preferred
- good insect plant
marigolds
Spice marigolds (Tagetes tenuifolia)
- Smell repels aphids
- annual
- Propagation by sowing
- repel different pests
- prone to snails
- open varieties of limited interest for insects
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
- Essential oils have a repellent effect on aphids
- perennial
- Propagation via offshoots
- prefers moderately nutrient-rich soils
- sunny locations preferred
- ideal for sunny perennial beds
- popular insect plant
Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)
- intense smell drives away aphids
- perennial
- Propagation by seed or division
- prevents ants and flea beetles
- Herb for teas as a biological remedy against lice
Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis)
- Smell repels aphids
- annual or perennial
- Propagation by seed or division
- annual species ideal for vegetable beds
- popular plant with insects
Onions (Allium cepa)
- Odor has a repellent effect on aphids
- annual or biennial
- Propagation by seeds or onion sets
- Cultivation possible in autumn of the previous year or in spring
- Mixed culture with carrots ideal
- high water demand
- medium nutritional requirements
frequently asked Questions
What plants help with aphids on indoor plants?One houseplant that has a strong repellent effect on aphids is the rose incense plant (Coleus venteri). Similar to sage or lavender, it has an intense smell with which it protects endangered indoor plants from infestation or drives away lice in the event of an infestation.
Does a change of location help with a lice infestation?No, since the lice are also on the ground and able to fly to a limited extent, a change of location would not help. However, you can put protective plants in pots and place them next to infested plants as needed. This is particularly useful for perennial herbs such as lavender or sage, which can then also be used to protect vegetable crops.
Do wild plants help against aphids?Wild plants only help to a limited extent against aphids. You can exchange some cultivated species for wild plants and use meadow sage (Salvia pratensis), wild thyme (Thymus serpyllum) or horse mint (Mentha longif.webpolia) instead. The plants are then ideal in a perennial bed as protection for roses or other ornamental shrubs.
Should ants also be fought?Yes, many species of ants form a symbiosis with the aphids. If you discover ants together with aphids on the plants, it is helpful if you drive the ants away at the same time. The proximity of intensively scented herbs such as lavender, sage or thyme, which the ants do not like, also helps here. Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) also helps repel ants, but is itself susceptible to aphids.