Growing Collards, also Collard greens, Borekale

Brassica sp. : Brassicaceae / the mustard or cabbage family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
    S                  
      T                
      P P              

(Best months for growing Collards in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed
  • Easy to grow. Grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4-6 weeks. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 8°C and 30°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 40 - 50 cm apart
  • Harvest in 8-11 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Dwarf (bush) beans, beets, celery, cucumber, onions, marigold, nasturtium, rhubarb, aromatic herbs (sage, dill, chamomile)
  • Avoid growing close to: Climbing (pole) beans, tomato, peppers (chili, capsicum), eggplant (aubergine), strawberry, mustard

Your comments and tips

05 Nov 22, Dana Bennett (USA - Zone 5a climate)
I plant my collards in September here in Montgomery Alabama should I be planting them at a different time? I do very well with them the late summer and early fall. I was not aware that they come back I always pull the plant and put them in a compost. Should I be doing that?
17 Sep 22, Virginia Cantrell (USA - Zone 9b climate)
When do I plant fall garden. Collards, broccoli, and cabbage
18 Nov 22, Ruth A Hersh (USA - Zone 9a climate)
oct, nov, dec
19 Sep 22, Anonymous (USA - Zone 9b climate)
In the early to mid fall. You grow into the winter. Check the planting guide here.
28 Aug 22, Darlene Gibbs (USA - Zone 8a climate)
It is August 28th. Is it too late to plant collard greens?
04 Sep 22, (USA - Zone 8a climate)
Plant Aug - Sept it says.
17 Aug 22, Ethel woodson (USA - Zone 8a climate)
It's super hot in texas right now. Can I still sow my Vate Collard seeds right now or should i wait till Oct.,?
04 Sep 22, (USA - Zone 8a climate)
Plant Aug Sept - if really hot protect them from the sun for some of the day. Shade cloth or something.
25 Jul 22, Moses Malatji (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Where can I buy collard green seeds or seedlings in South Afica? I live in Krugersdorp and Rustenburg.
05 Mar 22, Pat Chubb… (Canada - Zone 3a Temperate Short Summer climate)
Do collard greens have the same problems in the garden as cabbage? For instance- cabbage moths?
Showing 11 - 20 of 106 comments

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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