Troubleshooting
Greater Sea Kale problems — and how to fix them
Greater Sea Kale (Crambe cordifolia) is generally low-drama, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Cabbage white butterfly caterpillars
As a member of the Brassicaceae, plants can be attacked by the caterpillars of large white and small white butterflies, which can reduce the large foliage to a skeleton. Check the undersides of leaves in summer and remove eggs and caterpillars by hand.
Club root (Plasmodiophora brassicae)
This soil-borne pathogen, common in brassica beds, can infect Crambe and cause distorted, swollen roots and poor growth. Raise soil pH above 7.0 with lime, improve drainage, and avoid planting in ground with a history of club root.
Prevent greater sea kale problems before they start
Most greater sea kale issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Greater Sea Kale problems — FAQ
Why is my greater sea kale cabbage white butterfly caterpillars?
As a member of the Brassicaceae, plants can be attacked by the caterpillars of large white and small white butterflies, which can reduce the large foliage to a skeleton. Check the undersides of leaves in summer and remove eggs and caterpillars by hand.
Why is my greater sea kale club root (plasmodiophora brassicae)?
This soil-borne pathogen, common in brassica beds, can infect Crambe and cause distorted, swollen roots and poor growth. Raise soil pH above 7.0 with lime, improve drainage, and avoid planting in ground with a history of club root.