Troubleshooting
Kai-lan (Gai Lan) problems — and how to fix them
Kai-lan (Gai Lan) (Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra) 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.
Bolting and yellowing buds
Heat or delayed harvest opens the buds and loses sweetness. Cut stems while buds are tight and grow in suitable seasons.
Cabbage caterpillars
Cabbage white and looper larvae chew leaves and stems. Net with insect mesh and remove eggs and caterpillars by hand.
Clubroot
Swollen, distorted roots and stunting in infected brassica soils. Rotate crops, lime to near-neutral pH, and improve drainage.
Cabbage root fly
Larvae attack roots, causing wilting and collapse of young plants. Use collars at the stem base or fleece transplants.
Prevent kai-lan (gai lan) problems before they start
Most kai-lan (gai lan) issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for kai-lan (gai lan) in general rather than its problems? Read the full kai-lan (gai lan) care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Kai-lan (Gai Lan) problems — FAQ
Why is my kai-lan (gai lan) bolting and yellowing buds?
Heat or delayed harvest opens the buds and loses sweetness. Cut stems while buds are tight and grow in suitable seasons.
Why is my kai-lan (gai lan) cabbage caterpillars?
Cabbage white and looper larvae chew leaves and stems. Net with insect mesh and remove eggs and caterpillars by hand.
Why is my kai-lan (gai lan) clubroot?
Swollen, distorted roots and stunting in infected brassica soils. Rotate crops, lime to near-neutral pH, and improve drainage.
Why is my kai-lan (gai lan) cabbage root fly?
Larvae attack roots, causing wilting and collapse of young plants. Use collars at the stem base or fleece transplants.