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Chou marin · Crambe maritima

Why are my sea kale leaves turning yellow?

It is less common for sea kale to have yellow leaves, and this usually happens due to poor drainage or waterlogged soil. Check your soil moisture levels first to see if the ground is staying too wet for too long.

yellow leaves on a plant
Photo: Trio3D, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Check the soil moisture with your finger.
  2. Inspect the drainage of your planting site.
  3. Look for signs of standing water after rain.

Likely causes

  1. Overwatering

    Most likely

    How to tell: The leaves turn yellow starting from the base of the plant and the soil feels constantly soggy.

    What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 3 inches of soil dry out. Ensure your planting site has excellent drainage by adding grit or sand to the soil.

  2. Nutrient Deficiency

    Possible

    How to tell: The older leaves turn yellow while the veins remain green, often indicating a lack of nitrogen.

    What to do: Apply a balanced organic fertilizer in early spring. Work a layer of well rotted compost into the soil around the base of the plant.

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

It is normal for the oldest, lowest leaves to yellow and die back as the plant prepares for winter. Worry if the yellowing spreads rapidly across the entire plant during the growing season.

Stopping it coming back

Plant your sea kale in well draining soil and avoid overwatering during cool, damp weather.

Keep your chou marin healthy from here

Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.

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Questions people ask

Should I cut off the yellow leaves?
Yes, you can trim them off with clean shears to keep the plant looking tidy. This also helps improve airflow around the base.
Can too much sun cause yellowing?
No, sea kale loves full sun. If your plant is yellowing, it is almost certainly a soil or water issue rather than light exposure.

More problems with Chou marin

Back to the Chou marin guide

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