Butterflies a problem???

QVCFanfromLongIsland · ‎04-30-2012

I have a question for my QVC garden friends. The past 3 years of growing Italian parsley i have been having a problem with caterpillars laying their eggs on my parsley leaves and using them to turn into butterflies. I did look it up on my Better Homes and Garden book and it is a problem. The first year i actually saw the caterpillars on the plants. They were beautiful. Then I realized they were laying their eggs on the leaves. Didn't know parsley attracts this problem. What i have been doing is checking the plants daily and pinching off the leaves that have the eggs. But I do feel bad for the Butterflies! But I need my fresh parsley! Anybody having this problem?

BirkiLady · ‎02-22-2015

@QVCFanfromLongIsland This is a real Catch 22 question. Butterflies have been decreasing in numbers at alarming rates in recent years. They provide such an important part to our ecology system. I'd suggest you contact your local Extension Dept. and ask them if it's wise to remove all leaves, a few or none. This is a tough question!

Money screams; wealth whispers.

Sweetbay magnolia · ‎04-14-2013

Plant more parsley.

Wait, and be patient. The parsley will re-grow.

Plant other host plants for butterflies.

Buy fresh from the farmers market.

Cogito ergo sum

Alison Wonderland · ‎02-05-2018

Maybe you can plant some additional parsley in another section of your lot, away from your current parsley. Keep your existing parsley free of eggs and let the caterpillars have the other parsley.

Lilysmom · ‎03-09-2010

We are asked here in Nova Scotia to plant milkweed to act as a host for larvae. They are endangered. Hopefully you can do something to accommodate both your parsley and the butterflies too. Good luck! LM

jpie · ‎06-21-2010

@QVCFanfromLongIsland

I have no idea about flat leaf parsley being a surface on which to lay eggs. This was the first year I grew Italian parsley from seeds to seedlings. They germinated well and then chipmunks continuously dug them up, day after day, until only one tiny underdeveloped seedling was left. These chipmunks have been so destructive with all of my potted plants. So frustrating! I had them planted with purple basil and they weekend the root system so much that it may not survive either.

Congratulations on keeping your parsley! Have you considered a light spray of organic, plant safe insect repellent? I have had great luck with the Bayer brand concentrate. Next year, I will buy a fully developed plant from my local greenhouse nursery and see if I have better luck.

I have read other posts here and I agree that it is a catch 22. Butterflies are wonderful in so many ways. I will have to buy parsley this year, but luckily I don't use a lot of it and it is readily available and not too pricey.

fthunt · ‎12-24-2010

Wish I had your problem! Parsley is rather useless anyway - not much taste - but does give dishes (mashed potatoes - cold salads) and pop of green color. I'd encourage the butterfly population and just buy a bunch of "P" at the farmer's market.

PA Mom-mom · ‎05-27-2015

@QVCFanfromLongIsland The black swallowtail butterflies lay eggs on the parsley. Monarchs lay eggs on milkweed. Either way, we need more butterflies. After a few years of the caterpillars eating all of our parsley, we decided to grow it for the butterflies. If you want to protect your parsley, put netting over the plant to prevent the egg laying. Then, put out at least one big plant for the butterflies. You will see the butterflies landing on your plant, then see one or more tiny yellowish eggs. Then it is time to cover your plant with a tent of netting. Take a few sticks and prop up the netting, making sure to secure it tightly around the pot, so the birds can't get to the caterpillers when they hatch. The sticks are also important to allow the butterfly to attach the pupa. As soon as the butterfly hatches, let it dry for a few hours and allow it to go free. We love this process!

x Hedge · ‎08-18-2016

@QVCFanfromLongIsland

If i have a problem like that I buy rolls of fiberglass window screen and make quick, removable covers.

Drape it over 2' bamboo stakes or wire folding fence and clip it in place with clothespins.

Cut to fit. Easy to unclip and fold back out of the way for weeding and harvesting.

And plant some extra clumps of parsley for the butterflies. People who come to look at your garden will find your 'Butterfly parsley' far more interesting than the parsley you intend to eat.