Troubleshooting
Lacinato Kale problems — and how to fix them
Lacinato Kale (Brassica oleracea var. palmifolia 'Lacinato') 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 caterpillars
Cabbage white and looper caterpillars chew large holes and soil leaves with frass. Cover with insect mesh, hand-pick eggs and caterpillars, or treat with Bt.
Aphids (cabbage aphid)
Grey-waxy colonies cluster in leaf crevices and growing tips, distorting leaves. Blast off with water, encourage predators, or use insecticidal soap, checking hidden folds.
Clubroot
Stunted, wilting plants with swollen, distorted roots in infected brassica soil. Rotate crops, lime to near-neutral pH and improve drainage; the spores persist for years.
Bitter, tough leaves
Heat and drought stress toughen and embitter the leaves. Keep soil moist, harvest younger leaves, and remember that a light frost actually sweetens mature plants.
Prevent lacinato kale problems before they start
Most lacinato kale issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for lacinato kale in general rather than its problems? Read the full lacinato kale care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Lacinato Kale problems — FAQ
Why is my lacinato kale cabbage caterpillars?
Cabbage white and looper caterpillars chew large holes and soil leaves with frass. Cover with insect mesh, hand-pick eggs and caterpillars, or treat with Bt.
Why is my lacinato kale aphids (cabbage aphid)?
Grey-waxy colonies cluster in leaf crevices and growing tips, distorting leaves. Blast off with water, encourage predators, or use insecticidal soap, checking hidden folds.
Why is my lacinato kale clubroot?
Stunted, wilting plants with swollen, distorted roots in infected brassica soil. Rotate crops, lime to near-neutral pH and improve drainage; the spores persist for years.
Why is my lacinato kale bitter, tough leaves?
Heat and drought stress toughen and embitter the leaves. Keep soil moist, harvest younger leaves, and remember that a light frost actually sweetens mature plants.