Paper lantern chillies/aphids

[golden14]

With my paper lantern chilies now in full flower and producing fruit (At nearly 3ft tall.....) I am being plagued by aphids, I have wiped all of the leaves with soapy water and spray them with it daily but it seems to have little or no effect, the chillies themselves are growing fine but the aphids are becoming annoying

[stupo74]

Hi Golden14,
Do you have your plants inside?? house/greenhouse.

I have grown chillies for a couple of years now and every time i get an attack of "Aphids", i take the affected plant outside (weather Permitting) and put close to the flowers (mainly Marigolds) allowing all those lovely little "Hover Flies" a free "Slap up Meal". Ladybirds will also eat them, just collect a few and pop them on your plants, you will be amazed how quick they "Sweep" them all up
This method has worked for me,, it beats trying to clean every leaf 1 by 1

If outside, beware of ants these will protect the Aphids, as they like the "Sticky Gloop" that they drop on the leaves.

I think the "washing up Liquid" (soapy water) method is most affective at the start of an infestation, not so good once the population has exploded .

No expert here, but hope the above helps cheers stupo.

[Nicola_D]

Hey Stupo great to see you back on the forum, we've got aphids on our chill is too so your advice was once again very useful. Luckily we've had quite a few ladybirds in the garden this year and I planted a whole border of marigolds this year too :-)

[golden14]

Thanks, I will try this tomorrow as yes they are inside, sorry only just logged on again today I will try and find a sheltered spot for them although I do not get a lot of wind due to very high fences, but I've had butterflies for the first time in 10 years this year. Unfortunately its been as windy as hell down here, its Cowes Week Sailing Regatta this week so good for sailing but not putting my chilies out. I will take your advice as soon as I can.
Thanks again
P.S early chilis now 2 inches long, so hopefully turning red soon, I will post how hot they are when they are ready