Troubleshooting
Curly Kale problems — and how to fix them
Curly Kale (Brassica oleracea var. sabellica 'Curly Kale') 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
Caterpillars of cabbage white butterflies can strip leaves to the ribs in summer. Net plants with fine mesh, check leaf undersides for eggs, and remove caterpillars by hand.
Aphids (cabbage aphid and whitefly)
Grey-green aphid colonies cluster in the curled leaf folds and crowns, distorting growth. Blast off with water, encourage predators, and net or remove badly infested leaves.
Clubroot
Soil-borne disease swelling and distorting roots, stunting plants in acidic, wet ground. Lime the soil, improve drainage, rotate brassicas, and never compost infected roots.
Wind-rock
Tall winter plants loosen in their sockets in gales, tearing roots. Plant firmly and deep, earth up the stems, and stake exposed plants.
Prevent curly kale problems before they start
Most curly kale issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for curly kale in general rather than its problems? Read the full curly kale care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Curly Kale problems — FAQ
Why is my curly kale cabbage white caterpillars?
Caterpillars of cabbage white butterflies can strip leaves to the ribs in summer. Net plants with fine mesh, check leaf undersides for eggs, and remove caterpillars by hand.
Why is my curly kale aphids (cabbage aphid and whitefly)?
Grey-green aphid colonies cluster in the curled leaf folds and crowns, distorting growth. Blast off with water, encourage predators, and net or remove badly infested leaves.
Why is my curly kale clubroot?
Soil-borne disease swelling and distorting roots, stunting plants in acidic, wet ground. Lime the soil, improve drainage, rotate brassicas, and never compost infected roots.
Why is my curly kale wind-rock?
Tall winter plants loosen in their sockets in gales, tearing roots. Plant firmly and deep, earth up the stems, and stake exposed plants.