Troubleshooting
Cavolo Nero problems — and how to fix them
Cavolo Nero (Brassica oleracea var. palmifolia 'Cavolo Nero') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Cabbage white caterpillars
Cabbage white larvae chew the long leaves heavily in summer. Cover with insect mesh, inspect leaf undersides for clusters of yellow eggs, and pick off caterpillars regularly.
Cabbage aphids
Waxy grey aphids colonise the growing tip and leaf crinkles, distorting new growth. Squash colonies, hose them off, support natural predators, and remove the worst leaves.
Clubroot
Distorted, swollen roots and stunted, wilting plants signal this soil-borne disease in acidic, waterlogged beds. Lime the soil, improve drainage, and practise long brassica rotation.
Wind-rock
The tall, top-heavy stems rock loose in winter winds, damaging roots. Plant deep and firm, earth up the base, and stake plants on exposed sites.
Prevent cavolo nero problems before they start
Most cavolo nero issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for cavolo nero in general rather than its problems? Read the full cavolo nero care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Cavolo Nero problems — FAQ
Why is my cavolo nero cabbage white caterpillars?
Cabbage white larvae chew the long leaves heavily in summer. Cover with insect mesh, inspect leaf undersides for clusters of yellow eggs, and pick off caterpillars regularly.
Why is my cavolo nero cabbage aphids?
Waxy grey aphids colonise the growing tip and leaf crinkles, distorting new growth. Squash colonies, hose them off, support natural predators, and remove the worst leaves.
Why is my cavolo nero clubroot?
Distorted, swollen roots and stunted, wilting plants signal this soil-borne disease in acidic, waterlogged beds. Lime the soil, improve drainage, and practise long brassica rotation.
Why is my cavolo nero wind-rock?
The tall, top-heavy stems rock loose in winter winds, damaging roots. Plant deep and firm, earth up the base, and stake plants on exposed sites.