Brassica oleracea Spring Hero F1 Sticky Leaves - Causes & Fixes

Jump to cause: Aphid Infestation Cabbage White Butterfly Larvae (Caterpillars) Soft Scale Insects

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Aphid Infestation

Aphids are common pests on Brassica species that pierce plant tissues to suck sap, excreting 'honeydew,' a sticky, sugary substance. This honeydew often coats the leaves and can lead to the growth of black sooty mold.

Very Common

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How to confirm: Inspect the undersides of the cabbage leaves and the tight heart of the head for small, green or black soft-bodied insects.

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1 Apply an organic insecticide to eliminate the aphid population and stop the production of honeydew.

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2 Gently wash the sticky residue and any developing sooty mold off the leaves using a soft stream of water or a mild soap solution.

3 Monitor the plant closely using yellow sticky traps to capture any remaining flying aphids and prevent re-infestation.

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Cabbage White Butterfly Larvae (Caterpillars)

While caterpillars primarily consume leaf tissue, their presence often coincides with aphids attracted to the plant's weakened state. The sticky residue can sometimes be a byproduct of secondary microbial growth or associated pests following caterpillar damage.

Common

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How to confirm: Look for irregular holes in the leaves and check for green larvae crawling near the base of the cabbage head.

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1 Apply an organic insecticide to eliminate caterpillars and any secondary pests like aphids causing the sticky residue.

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2 Manually inspect the underside of leaves and remove any visible larvae or caterpillars by hand.

3 Wash the leaves with a gentle stream of water to remove the sticky honeydew and any remaining pest eggs.

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Soft Scale Insects

Scale insects attach themselves to the stems and leaves of Brassica plants, feeding on sap and producing honeydew. This residue is characteristically very sticky and can cause the foliage to appear dull or coated.

Common

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How to confirm: Search for small, stationary bumps or shell-like structures firmly attached to the leaf ribs or stems.

build How to fix it

shopping_cart Recommended Products

1 Apply an organic insecticide spray to the foliage and stems to eliminate the scale insects and their eggs.

Bonide Captain Jack's Neem Oil 32 oz

0.9 L • 1 pcs • Organic

$10

In Stock

2 Wipe the sticky honeydew residue off the leaves with a damp cloth to prevent the growth of sooty mold.

3 Inspect the undersides of leaves and stems regularly to catch any new infestations early.