who is eating my 'sturtiums?

[shirlthegirl43]

I was proudly admiring my nasturtiums that I grew from seed this morning when I noticed they were being enjoyed rather vigorously! Does anyone know what these chaps will grow into? Should I sacrifice my plants or should I spray with something so I can enjoy more flowers?

[vicky]

Looks like cabbage white caterpillars! I would pick off and take them far away...

[shirlthegirl43]

I haven't seen any white flutterbys around this year (yet) but if they are those then they will be sprayed - no sparing pests like that! If they were going to grow into something pretty then different call

[scarey55]

No idea what they are Shirley but they will probably grow into something flying that will give you and your veg a problem later
I grow nasturtiums everywhere and always expect some to become prey for "nasties" but at least it keeps them off my other crops.

[shirlthegirl43]

I don't usually grow flowers from seeds, so I am quite proud of these (stupid I know)

[scarey55]

I don't usually grow flowers from seeds, so I am quite proud of these (stupid I know)

Not at all, well done you
I usually don't do flowers either - it's all I can do to keep up with the veg! having said that, once I'd managed to get them to grow the first year I find that nasturtiums grow without me having to do anything so they are a real favourite with me and the leaves and flowers are great in salads.

[shirlthegirl43]

... the leaves and flowers are great in salads.

It would appear these many legged critters are fond of them on their own

[OllieMartin]

Definitely Large White Caterpillars:

Large White - WikiGardener Wiki

[shirlthegirl43]

Off I go with the spray bottle of 'bug off'

[rustylady]

Off I go with the spray bottle of 'bug off'

Pick them off and feed to the chooks, or drop into a bucket of salty water.

[shirlthegirl43]

Pick them off and feed to the chooks, or drop into a bucket of salty water.

too late - sprayed. I don't think I could have touched them (creepy crawly phobia) let alone carried them through the house for the hens

[rustylady]

My dad used to pay me and my brother sixpence a jar for cabbage white caterpillars collected from the garden.

[pinklady]

caterpillars - argh!