Why does your Brassica Songbird F1 Round Red have tiny black flies? Diagnose the cause and fix it with our step-by-step guide.
Pet FriendlyThe most common cause of tiny black flies in ornamental Brassica is Fungus Gnats, whose larvae thrive in the moist organic matter of the potting soil. The adults emerge to lay eggs, while the larvae feed on decomposing organic material and can occasionally damage delicate root hairs of the kale.
While not a 'cause' of the flies themselves, overly saturated soil in Brassica cultivation creates an ideal breeding ground for pests. High moisture levels facilitate the life cycle of fungus gnats and can lead to secondary fungal issues in the kale.
While less likely to be seen 'flying,' certain tiny mites or even very small thrips can appear as moving black specks. If they are feeding on the Brassica leaves, you may notice slight discoloration or stippling alongside the presence of insects.
Your plant might also be experiencing one of these issues: