Troubleshooting
Spanish Sea Kale problems — and how to fix them
Spanish Sea Kale (Crambe hispanica) 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 caterpillars (Pieris spp.)
As a Brassicaceae plant it is attractive to large and small white butterfly caterpillars, which can defoliate young plants; cover with fine mesh or remove caterpillars by hand.
Clubroot (Plasmodiophora brassicae)
Brassicaceae family susceptibility means it can contract clubroot in infected soils, causing swollen, distorted roots and wilting; improve soil drainage and avoid growing brassicas in the same spot for at least four years.
Prevent spanish sea kale problems before they start
Most spanish sea kale issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Spanish Sea Kale problems — FAQ
Why is my spanish sea kale cabbage white caterpillars (pieris spp.)?
As a Brassicaceae plant it is attractive to large and small white butterfly caterpillars, which can defoliate young plants; cover with fine mesh or remove caterpillars by hand.
Why is my spanish sea kale clubroot (plasmodiophora brassicae)?
Brassicaceae family susceptibility means it can contract clubroot in infected soils, causing swollen, distorted roots and wilting; improve soil drainage and avoid growing brassicas in the same spot for at least four years.