Common problems

Earwigs eat the petals at night; trap them in upside-down flowerpots stuffed with straw on canes above the plants — empty daily.

Chrysanthemum white rust (orange-yellow spots on leaves, white pustules underneath) is a notifiable disease in the UK — destroy the plant immediately, do not compost. Buy stock only from reputable suppliers.

Aphids cluster on bud tips in dry summers — blast off with water and encourage ladybirds with companion calendula nearby.

Capsid bug nibbles young leaves and growing tips, making them look 'shot-holed' — spray plants with diluted neem at dusk for 3 consecutive evenings.