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Chou marin · Crambe maritima

Why is my sea kale looking stunted and weak?

If your sea kale is failing to thrive despite regular care, it might be dealing with a soilborne issue like clubroot. This disease affects the root system and prevents the plant from taking up water and nutrients.

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

Check these first

  1. Check if the soil remains wet for more than two days after watering.
  2. Gently dig around the base to see if the roots appear swollen or distorted.
  3. Observe if the plant wilts even when the soil is moist.

Likely causes

  1. Clubroot

    Most likely

    How to tell: The plant shows stunted growth and the leaves may wilt during the heat of the day. If you dig up the roots, you will see large, gnarled swellings.

    What to do: Unfortunately, there is no cure for clubroot once it is established. Remove and destroy the affected plant and do not plant other brassicas in that spot for at least 5 to 7 years.

  2. Poor Drainage

    Possible

    How to tell: The soil stays soggy for days after watering, and the base of the plant looks mushy or discolored.

    What to do: Improve soil drainage by adding organic matter like compost or grit before planting. Ensure the plant is not sitting in a low spot where water collects.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your chou marin

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 condition that requires immediate removal of the plant to prevent the spread of spores.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a high soil pH by adding lime, as clubroot thrives in acidic soil conditions.

Chou marin: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your chou marin 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?
No, it is best to remove the plant and soil to protect the rest of your garden.
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 level.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Chou marin

Back to the Chou marin 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.