If your petunias, geraniums, or million bells suddenly stop blooming, the problem may not be nutrition or watering. Budworms are a common cause of damaged buds and reduced flowering during the growing season.
Quick Budworm Control Tips
- Budworms feed inside flower buds
- Damage often appears before flowers open
- Caterpillars hide during the day
- Early treatment prevents continued bloom loss
What Are Budworms?
Budworms are small caterpillars that feed on developing flower buds and blossoms. They may appear green, red, or brown, depending on the plants they are feeding on.
During the day, budworms hide beneath foliage or inside flower buds, making them difficult to see.
Plants Commonly Affected
Budworms most commonly damage annual flowers, including:
- Petunias
- Geraniums
- Million bells (calibrachoa)
They can also affect some perennials, such as coneflowers, where they feed on the centers of seedheads.
Signs of Budworm Damage
Budworms feed on developing flower parts, which prevents buds from opening properly.
- Holes in unopened buds
- Damaged or missing flower petals
- Reduced or inconsistent blooming
Budworm Control Options
Budworms are caterpillars and can be effectively controlled with insecticides labeled for caterpillar pests.
- Spinosad: Products such as Captain Jack’s Deadbug Brew
- Permethrin: Products such as Hi-Yield Indoor & Outdoor
Apply treatments as soon as damage is noticed and repeat as directed on the label.
Protecting Blooms Throughout the Season
Regular inspection of flowering plants helps catch budworms early, before significant bloom loss occurs. Prompt treatment keeps plants flowering and looking their best throughout the season.
Please read and follow all label instructions when applying any insect control products.