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
  • Collard leaves

Leafy, green vegetable - heat tolerant so a good substitute for kale and cabbage in tropical areas. Also recommended for health reasons.

For best flavor and texture, leaves should be picked before they reach their maximum size.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Collards

Slice and steam or use in stir-fry.
One of the most common vegetables in East Africa.
In the United States, collard greens symbolize Southern culture and African-American culture and identity.

Your comments and tips

23 Sep 23, MIKE (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
If you grow broccoli you can eat the leaves. Choose middle to small leaves after the head has been harvested. This will encourage tasty little heads at each lateral.
18 Aug 23, Stephen Carter (USA - Zone 8b climate)
What is the best fertilizer for collard greens and how to apply it for best results.
02 Jun 23, Jackie (Australia - temperate climate)
I’m in south coast area of NSW, can I plant collard seeds now 2nd June or should I wait till spring?
03 Jun 23, (Australia - temperate climate)
It says to plant Spring. Reason - soil temperature.
27 Nov 22, Mary Ann Wright (Australia - temperate climate)
Where can I purchase Collard Green seeds in Australia . Thank- you
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?
Showing 1 - 10 of 101 comments

I love my smoothies and have started to build a raised garden please can you tell me what greens do well together and when... Thank you in advance. Kind regards, Triciia

- Triciia

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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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