Tired of Japanese beetles ruining your beautiful zinnias? Discover effective and organic methods to protect your flowers and keep these pests at bay. Your zinnias will thank you!
Are Japanese beetles turning your beautiful zinnias into skeletons? If so, you’re not alone! These voracious pests are a common scourge for gardeners, but the good news is that there are effective, organic ways to fight back.
I’ve battled them both in my former garden and here, learning what truly works and what does not. But the best part? I’ve got some great organic solutions that will significantly reduce the damage.
You ready? Let’s grow!
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Why Zinnias Are a Magnet for Japanese Beetles
Zinnias, with their vibrant colors and sweet nectar, are like a buffet for Japanese beetles. The beetles feast on the petals, leaves, and even stems, leaving behind unsightly holes and damaged plants.
It’s always unfortunate to see them arrive, usually in July, in my zone 6b garden. They usually hang around for most of the month and leave in August. But the damage can be severe!
Traps: A Tempting But Ineffective Solution
While traps baited with pheromones or floral scents might seem like a good way to lure beetles away, they can actually attract more beetles to your garden than they catch. So, what’s the solution?
The Root of the Problem: Grubs in Your Lawn
The key to controlling Japanese beetles lies in understanding their life cycle. Adult beetles lay their eggs in the soil, where they hatch into grubs that feed on grass roots. These grubs eventually mature into the beetles that wreak havoc on your zinnias.
A Multi-Pronged Defense: Protect Your Zinnias and Target the Grubs
Make Your Lawn Less Appealing
When I was in the Rutgers Master Gardening course one of THE biggest takeaways for me is making the lawn less appealing for Japanese beetles so they don’t lay eggs in your lawn. When I heard that, the light went on for me and I was like – I am doing this!
Here’s what you need to know!
- Choose Tall Fescue: If your climate permits, consider transitioning your lawn to tall fescue grass. Japanese beetles prefer to lay eggs in irrigated turf, and tall fescue requires less water and mowing, making it a less attractive breeding ground.
- Apply Milky Spore: This naturally occurring bacteria is a game-changer. When applied to your lawn, milky spore infects Japanese beetle grubs. As the grubs die, they release more spores into the soil, creating a continuous cycle that significantly reduces the beetle population over time.
In my former garden, I never applied milky spore and only switched my grass over to tall fescue from Kentucky Blue Grass. It took about a year and a half or so to start seeing the results but let me be the first to tell you that year after year, the Japanese beetle population declined.
I don’t want to tell you I had zero but there were significantly less japanese beetles on zinnias, roses, hardy hibiscus, and so many more of my beautiful blooms.
When we moved here a few years ago, the Japanese beetle problem was serious! They were damaging everything we had here so I went with a two-pronged approach instead, applying both milky spore and changing the lawn over to tall fescue. (We have at least 5 acres of lawn here, so that’s a lot of overseeding!)
And wouldn’t you know? We far less Japanese beetles on zinnias, roses, and the rest of my flowers.
So it will take some time but making your lawn less appealing totally works. I’ve done it twice now.
More About the Benefits of Tall Fescue
As an aside, let me tell you, the turf management portion of the course seemed the least appealing to me, but I got the most out of it! Rutgers did a whole study on different types of grasses and Japanese beetles.
They found that tall fescue had a deeper root system (18 inches!) so it was more drought tolerant than other types of grasses and discovered that Japanese beetles preferred laying their eggs in other types of grasses versus tall fescue.
I’m telling you…start changing your lawn over during the next few months if it is possible in your climate! You’ll thank me later!
Protect Your Zinnias
So what can you do in the meantime in the short-term?
- Handpicking: While tedious, handpicking beetles early in the morning and dropping them into soapy water can be effective for small infestations.
- Neem Oil: This natural insecticide can deter beetles from feeding. I haven’t found this to be particularly effective though.
- Companion Planting: Create a natural barrier around your zinnias by planting companions they dislike. Consider adding garlic, chives, catnip, white geraniums, chrysanthemums, or tickseed to your garden beds.
Japanese Beetles on Zinnias: The Benefits of Organic Control
By focusing on organic solutions, you not only protect your zinnias but also support a healthy ecosystem in your garden. Milky spore is safe for beneficial insects, pets, and the environment.
Final Thoughts: A Gardener’s Persistence Pays Off
In my previous garden, I successfully transformed my lawn to tall fescue, and it made a huge difference in controlling Japanese beetles. When I moved to my current home, the beetle problem was much worse, but by consistently applying milky spore and gradually changing the grass, I’m finally seeing results.
Remember, organic methods take time and patience. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. But with persistence, you can create a beautiful zinnia garden that’s not overrun by these pesky beetles. Don’t give up!
I hope these tips help you win the battle against Japanese beetles and enjoy your gorgeous zinnias all summer long! Please share your own experiences and successes in the comments below.
For more information about dealing with Japanese Beetles, please read this article from the Penn State Cooperative Extension.
To drill down on more beginner gardening techniques and tips, please read these posts:
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Enjoy your day! xo
