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Spring Cabbage · Brassica oleracea var. capitata

Why is my Spring Cabbage stunted and wilting?

If your cabbage looks stunted and wilts even when the soil is moist, you might be dealing with clubroot. This is a soilborne fungus that attacks the roots and prevents the plant from taking up water. Check the roots first by gently digging up one of the struggling plants.

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root rot on a plant
Photo: Ninjatacoshell, CC BY-SA 3.0

Check these first

  1. Gently dig up a stunted plant to inspect the roots for swelling.
  2. Check if the soil is staying soggy for too long after watering.
  3. Look for signs of wilting that do not improve with water.

Likely causes

  1. Clubroot fungus

    Most likely

    How to tell: The roots will look swollen, gnarled, and distorted, resembling a club. The plant will appear stunted and may wilt during the heat of the day.

    What to do: Remove and destroy the infected plant immediately, including all roots. Do not put these plants in your compost pile, as the fungus can survive and spread.

  2. Overwatering

    Possible

    How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and the plant wilts, even though the soil is saturated. The roots may appear mushy or dark instead of firm and white.

    What to do: Improve your soil drainage by adding organic matter like compost. Adjust your watering schedule to ensure the soil is moist but never waterlogged.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your spring cabbage

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

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When to worry

Clubroot is a serious soil issue that stays in the ground for many years. If you find it, you must stop planting brassicas in that spot for at least 5 to 7 years.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a soil pH of 7.0 or higher by adding lime, as clubroot thrives in acidic soil. Always practice crop rotation to keep the soil healthy.

Spring Cabbage: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your spring cabbage and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

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Questions people ask

Can I save a plant with clubroot?
Unfortunately, there is no cure for clubroot. The best course of action is to remove the plant to prevent the fungus from spreading further.
How do I know if my soil is too acidic?
You can use a simple soil test kit from a garden center to check your pH. Aim for a neutral to slightly alkaline level to discourage clubroot.

More problems with Spring Cabbage

Back to the Spring Cabbage guide

This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.