Pest identification
What's eating my scarlet kale?
Large white and small white butterfly caterpillars (Pieris brassicae, P. rapae)
Signs: Rapid leaf defoliation; yellow egg masses on undersides; green frass in leaf curls
Control: Fine-mesh netting from transplanting; Bt spray; hand-pick eggs and caterpillars weekly
Cabbage aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae)
Signs: Waxy grey-green colonies on growing tips and leaf undersides; stunted, cupped new growth
Control: Insecticidal soap or neem oil; jet of water; remove heavily infested shoot tips
Pigeons (Columba palumbus)
Signs: Leaves shredded to the midrib; repeated grazing stops recovery; worst in winter and early spring
Control: Rigid cage netting; physical exclusion is the only reliable long-term control
Keep scarlet kale pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Scarlet Kale pests — FAQ
What is eating my scarlet kale?
Scarlet kale is a red-purple frilly brassica that faces the full kale pest complex. Caterpillars from large and small white butterflies are the dominant threat, stripping leaves fast. Cabbage aphid, flea beetles, and pigeons also cause significant damage. Its ornamental appeal does not reduce pest pressure — netting is essential for a worthwhile harvest.
How do I get rid of large white and small white butterfly caterpillars (pieris brassicae, p. rapae) on scarlet kale?
Rapid leaf defoliation; yellow egg masses on undersides; green frass in leaf curls Fine-mesh netting from transplanting; Bt spray; hand-pick eggs and caterpillars weekly
How do I get rid of cabbage aphid (brevicoryne brassicae) on scarlet kale?
Waxy grey-green colonies on growing tips and leaf undersides; stunted, cupped new growth Insecticidal soap or neem oil; jet of water; remove heavily infested shoot tips
How do I get rid of pigeons (columba palumbus) on scarlet kale?
Leaves shredded to the midrib; repeated grazing stops recovery; worst in winter and early spring Rigid cage netting; physical exclusion is the only reliable long-term control