How Do I Know if My Cabbage Plant Is Dying?

Cabbage plants are one of the most versatile vegetables you can grow in your garden. They can be used in various dishes and are relatively easy to care for. However, like all plants, they can sometimes experience problems that can cause them to die.

You will know your cabbage plant is dying if the leaves start to wilt, the stem develops slimy rot, or the leaves suffer discoloration. These are all signs that the plant is not getting enough water or nutrients and is slowly dying. Pests and diseases can also cause a cabbage plant to die.

If you notice any of these signs, you should take action immediately to try and save your plant. Water it deeply and regularly, fertilize it, remove any pests or diseases you see, and if the plant is already too far gone, you can always start over with a new one. Read on as we go in-depth about each of these problems and what you can do to save your cabbage plant.

Also Read: Homemade Bug Spray for Cabbage Plants

Common Signs Your Cabbage Plant Is Dying

Here is a low down of the most common signs that your cabbage plant is dying. Mitigating these stressors as soon as possible is essential when it comes to giving your plant the best chance at survival.

Wilting Leaves

• Wilting leaves are one of the most common tell-tale signs that your cabbage plant is not doing well and is slowly dying. The leaves will lose their color, turning yellow or brown, and start to droop down. This is usually a sign that the plant is dehydrated and not getting enough water.
• Water is essential for healthy and robust cabbage plants. The leaves need water to stay upright, and the stem needs water to transport nutrients throughout the plant. It’s also a critical component of photosynthesis, the process that all plants rely on to create food for themselves. Without enough water, a cabbage plant will slowly start to die.
• If you notice wilting leaves on your cabbage plant, try watering them deeply and regularly. Ensure the soil around the plant is moist but not soggy, as this can also cause the development of fungal diseases, which will further stress and weaken your plant.
• Avoid getting water on the leaves as this can encourage fungal growth and leaf spot diseases. Spread 1-2 inches (2.54-5.08 centimeters) of mulching around the base of the plant to help the soil retain moisture.
• It could also be possible that there is a nutrient deficiency in the soil that inhibits water intake by the plant. Do a soil test to check the nutrient levels and amend the soil accordingly. Apply a balanced fertilizer according to the package instructions, and make sure to rake it in well. Alternatively, spread a layer of well-decomposed compost to amend the soil.
• If you have ruled out both of these possibilities and your cabbage plant is still wilting, it’s possible it’s far gone and will not recover. You may need to start over with a new plant.

Check out: Holes in Cabbage Plant Leaves? [What needs to do]

Slimy Stem Rot

• Slimy stem rot is another serious problem that can kill a cabbage plant. As the name suggests, this is when the stem of the plant starts to develop a slimy rot. The rot will begin at the base of the stem and work its way up. This is usually a sign of too much moisture in the soil, which can encourage fungal or bacterial growth.
• Since the rot is at the stem, it inhibits the plant’s ability to transport water and nutrients throughout its components. This affects the plant’s entire system and will cause it to start to die slowly. Swift action is essential when it comes to trying to save the plant.

1. Remove the affected plants: Uproot the plant entirely, including the roots and stem. Dispose of the plant in the trash, do not compost it. When left unchecked, the disease can quickly spread to other plants in the garden.
2. Disinfect your gardening tools: After removing the plant, disinfect your gardening tools to avoid spreading the disease. You can do this by dipping them in a solution of bleach and water (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) for 20-30 minutes.
3. Improve drainage: If the soil is too moist, it encourages the growth of bacteria and fungi. Improve drainage by adding more organic matter to the soil. This will help to improve air circulation and drainage.
4. Water at the base of the plant: When watering, focus on the base of the plant rather than getting the stem and leaves wet. Wet stems and leaves are more susceptible to fungal diseases.
5. Do not overcrowd plants: When planting, make sure to leave enough space between each plant. This will help to improve air circulation and prevent the spread of diseases.
6. Monitor for pests: Stem rot is caused by bacteria that can enter the plant through wounds. Monitor your plants for pests and tackle them swiftly. You can use broad-spectrum pesticides or organic remedies such as neem oil. Crop rotation can also help to prevent pests and diseases.

Leaf Chlorosis

• Leaf chlorosis is a common problem that affects cabbage plants. The plant leaves turn yellow, while the veins remain green. Chlorosis is usually caused by a nutrient deficiency, mostly magnesium and iron. The plant is unable to produce chlorophyll, which gives the leaves their green color.
• Cabbage are heavy feeders and require an adequate supply of nutrients to grow properly. However, when there is a nutrient deficiency, the plant will experience stress and start to yellow. Since there is no chlorophyll, the plant cannot produce food and will slowly begin to die.

There are several ways to correct a nutrient deficiency.

1. Test the soil: The first step is to test the soil to check the nutrient levels. This will help you identify which nutrients are lacking and which need to be added. Make sure to also check the soil pH as this can affect the availability of nutrients.
2. Add compost: Compost is a great way to add nutrients and improve soil quality. It also helps to improve drainage and aeration.
3. Apply fertilizers: Fertilizers can help to correct a nutrient deficiency and promote growth. Choose a fertilizer that is high in deficient nutrients. For example, if the plants lack magnesium, use a fertilizer that is high in magnesium. Conversely, if the plants lack iron, use a high-iron fertilizer.
4. Mulch the soil: Mulching the soil with organic matter such as straw or leaves will help improve the soil’s quality and prevent nutrient deficiencies. Over time, the organic matter will break down and release nutrients into the soil.
5. Water regularly: Watering the plants regularly will help to prevent stress and keep the plants healthy. Make sure to water at the base of the plant and not wet the leaves.
6. Test the soil: The first step is to test the soil to check the nutrient levels. This will help you identify which nutrients are lacking and which need to be added. Make sure to also check the soil pH as this can affect the availability of nutrients.
7. Add compost: Compost is a great way to add nutrients and improve soil quality. It also helps to improve drainage and aeration.
8. Apply fertilizers: Fertilizers can help to correct a nutrient deficiency and promote growth. Choose a fertilizer that is high in deficient nutrients. For example, if the plants lack magnesium, use a fertilizer that is high in magnesium. Conversely, if the plants lack iron, use a high-iron fertilizer.
9. Mulch the soil: Mulching the soil with organic matter such as straw or leaves will help improve the soil’s quality and prevent nutrient deficiencies. Over time, the organic matter will break down and release nutrients into the soil.
10. Water regularly: Watering the plants regularly will help to prevent stress and keep the plants healthy. Make sure to water at the base of the plant and not wet the leaves.

Have a look: Cabbage Leaves Turning Brown? [Causes & Cares]

How To Prevent Cabbage Plant Death

Nothing is as frustrating as devoting time and effort to a cabbage plant, only for it to die unexpectedly. While there are many reasons why a cabbage plant may die, there are also several precautions that you can take to prevent this from happening.

Here are some tips on how to prevent cabbage plant death:

1. Start with healthy plants: When buying cabbage plants, choose ones that are healthy and free from pests and diseases. This will give them the best chance of survival. Check for black spots, lesions, or other signs of disease. Pick cabbage plants that are compact and have dark green leaves.
2. Plant in well-drained soil: Cabbage plants need well-drained soil to thrive. If the soil is too wet, the roots will rot, and the plant will die. Mix in some organic matter such as compost or peat moss to improve drainage.
3. Water regularly: Cabbage plants require 1-2 inches (2.54-5.08 centimeters) of water per week. Water at the base of the plant, taking care not to wet the leaves. Avoid watering in the evening as this can encourage fungal growth.
4. Fertilize regularly: Cabbage plants are heavy feeders and must be fertilized every 4-6 weeks. Use a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen to promote growth.
5. Mulch the plants: Mulching with organic matter such as straw or leaves will help to keep the soil moist and prevent weeds from growing.
6. Provide shade: If you live in states that experience high temperatures like Texas, Georgia, or Arizona, provide shade for your cabbage plants. This will help to prevent the leaves from wilting in the heat.
7. Watch for pests and diseases: Be on the lookout for pests and diseases that can affect cabbage plants. Common culprits include aphids, caterpillars, slugs, and root maggots. Treat pests and diseases as soon as they are spotted.
8. Remove infected plants: Cabbage diseases spread quickly, so it is essential to remove infected plants and dispose of them properly. Avoid composting them as this can spread the disease to other plants.

Also, you may like some more gardening articles:

• How To Get Seed From Cabbage Plant
• Why Are My Cabbage Leaves Turning Purple?
• The Dragon Tree: What You Need to Know About It?
• How To Save a Freezing Cabbage Plant?
• How To Grow Cabbage in Containers?
• Should I Cut Off Brown Hydrangea Blooms?
• Hydrangea Turning Brown? [Reasons & Cares]
• Philodendron Selloum Soil Mix
• How Fast Does An Areca Palm Grow

Conclusion

Wilting leaves, leaf chlorosis, and slimy stem rot are common signs that your cabbage plant is dying. Luckily, when spotted early enough, you can avert cabbage plant death and achieve a bountiful harvest.

Water your plants regularly, fertilize them, provide shade in hot weather and remove any diseased plants immediately to keep your cabbage plants healthy and prevent death. If the situation is too far gone beyond control, you can always replant. Start with healthy seedlings and provide the ideal growing conditions for a bumper harvest.