Whats killing (eating)my violas from the root up?

Question

I grew all my violas from seed, I take great care and pride in my flowers but something seems to be eating them from the root as the tops are fine, could it be crainfly leather jackets? Im going barmy trying to work it out its not slugs that I do know...aww its heartbreaking any ideas?

we live in the uk so i guess its not vine weval and as far as i can tell its not over watering as most of them are doing fine but im off out there today to dig around and see

Answer 1

If it was Leather Jackets you would be able to find them in the soil, also when they atatck a plant the plant collapses - as they eat the whole root system.
Sow bugs do noy usually eat live plant material - they like decaying stuff.
Could be a grub, cut worm, or perhaps the roots are rotting from over watering???
Dig around, if something is there you should be able to find it. Meanhwile, water with some soapy water.

Answer 2

Vine weevil grubs, they are a grey c shaped grub with a big brown head, dig around to see if you can find some and either treat with insecticide or change your compost completely. improve drainage in the pots to avoid pesta and diseases. sorry my answer is wrong it was chaffer grubs i was thinking of sorry

Answer 3

I should imagine it is vine weevil they are horrible things you need to water with a vine weevil killer that is dissoved in water. You will be able to get it at any good garden centre

Answer 4

Could be sow bugs, aka pill bugs. They're a problem in spring and fall, especially in damp or wet conditions. Don't know if they're indigenous to your climate but I believe they're found everywhere.

To find out more, go here:

http://www.pestcontrolcanada.com/sow_bugs.htm

Answer 5

Look for weavils or woodlice in the soil.