Troubleshooting
'Red Russian' Kale problems — and how to fix them
'Red Russian' Kale (Brassica napus var. pabularia 'Red Russian') 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.
Flea beetles
Small beetles pepper young leaves with shot-hole damage, worst on seedlings. Use fine mesh, keep plants growing strongly, and water well in dry spells to outpace the damage.
Cabbage white caterpillars
Caterpillars chew large holes in the tender leaves. Net the crop and inspect leaf undersides regularly, removing eggs and larvae by hand.
Cabbage aphids
Waxy grey aphids gather in the crown and leaf folds. Dislodge with a water jet, encourage natural predators, or treat with insecticidal soap; wash leaves before eating.
Bolting
Spring-sown plants checked by cold or heat may run to flower, ending leaf production. Keep moisture even and sow main crops in summer for autumn and winter picking.
Prevent 'red russian' kale problems before they start
Most 'red russian' kale issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for 'red russian' kale in general rather than its problems? Read the full 'red russian' kale care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
'Red Russian' Kale problems — FAQ
Why is my 'red russian' kale flea beetles?
Small beetles pepper young leaves with shot-hole damage, worst on seedlings. Use fine mesh, keep plants growing strongly, and water well in dry spells to outpace the damage.
Why is my 'red russian' kale cabbage white caterpillars?
Caterpillars chew large holes in the tender leaves. Net the crop and inspect leaf undersides regularly, removing eggs and larvae by hand.
Why is my 'red russian' kale cabbage aphids?
Waxy grey aphids gather in the crown and leaf folds. Dislodge with a water jet, encourage natural predators, or treat with insecticidal soap; wash leaves before eating.
Why is my 'red russian' kale bolting?
Spring-sown plants checked by cold or heat may run to flower, ending leaf production. Keep moisture even and sow main crops in summer for autumn and winter picking.