At the latest, when there are noticeably many ants cavorting around the sunflowers, you should pay attention. The little animals are often a clear sign of an advanced aphid infestation: They keep the small, sweet honeydew-producing fellows as pets and make sure that they don't lack for anything. Aphids should definitely be combated, as they can cause lasting damage to the affected plant. As a rule, natural remedies with ingredients that everyone has in the kitchen cupboard are sufficient.
There are very effective home remedies for aphids
Combat aphids naturally - the best methods
If the infestation has not progressed too far, a shower with normal water is often sufficient: To do this, simply hold sunflowers cultivated in pots under the shower head. However, make sure that the flowers do not get any water and that the leaves can then dry quickly - otherwise there is a risk of subsequent powdery mildew or other fungal diseases. In the case of a heavy occurrence, you should cut off particularly affected leaves and shoots and spray the plants with one of the following mixtures.
milk-oil mixture
A simple water-milk mixture, mixed with a few drops of vegetable oil, has always proven to be helpful when dealing with an aphid infestation. To do this, mix 100 milliliters of fresh whole milk with 200 milliliters of water and, if necessary, with some rapeseed or sunflower oil. Mist the affected areas daily for one to two weeks.
neem seeds
Neem or Niem is a tree that is widespread in India, from whose fruits the seeds used in pesticides and cosmetics are obtained. They have an insecticidal, fungicidal and antibacterial effect - insects, fungi and bacteria don't stand a chance. To combat aphids and other plant lice, you can use commercially available neem oil or pour one liter of boiling water over approx. 50 grams of seeds and leave to steep for several hours. Mist the affected areas daily for one to two weeks.
Black tea or coffee
In the case of a weak infestation, a spray treatment with cooled black tea or coffee also helps very well. However, the drinks should not contain any sugar or other additives.
nettle brew
A self-made nettle decoction not only helps reliably against aphids and other unwanted visitors, but also provides the plant with valuable nutrients. Pour ten liters of water over about a kilogram of freshly picked (wear gloves!) and chopped nettles and let the whole thing ferment for about a week. Stir the mixture daily, you can add a handful of rock flour (€14.13) to counteract the unpleasant smell.
detergent
A few drops of washing-up liquid mixed with a little spirit (optional) in water has also proven to be a tried and tested anti-aphid agent.
tips
On the other hand, you should refrain from using things like cigarette butts mixed with water or tobacco leaves: your plant will certainly not like what is not good for you.