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

20 Aug 20, Joell (USA - Zone 7a climate)
When to plant collard kale turnip mustard green (Check here www.gardenate.com/plant/Collards?zone=10 and under plant name for the others - Gardenate)
30 Oct 19, Lisa (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I've got some collard seeds and would love to grow them. I live in tassie and so far I always have best results growing Kale from autumn. Would it be the same for collards. Thanks :)
31 Oct 19, anon (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Things that you eat during the winter have to be planted 10-12-16 weeks earlier, hence plant late summer autumn. Same with summer things, plant them late winter spring. This is dependent on the weather. I don't grow anything Nov to Feb because it is too hot and a storm could just smash my crop, ruining 2-3 months of effort on my part - sub tropical.
31 Oct 19, anon (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
the info here about collard and kale says plant seeds Jan Feb and transplant March April for both.
05 Sep 17, Geraldine (Australia - tropical climate)
Can i buy the collard greens seeds here in Queensland, Australia.?
07 Sep 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Buy them on the internet - the seeds could come from anywhere in Australia even when purchased in QLD.
14 Jul 17, Kathy (USA - Zone 6b climate)
I did not start my collard, cabbage, seed in March - can I plant the seeds in the garden now in mid-July? Also, can I plant cauliflower in the garden from seed in July? I live in zone 6b. Thanks!!!
01 Jan 17, Maureen (Australia - temperate climate)
Just wanted to thank everyone for all the information they have posted regarding this topic.Very informative.Much appreciated.Cheers
18 Aug 16, Triciia (Australia - temperate climate)
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
15 Jun 15, Payal (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
collard seedling available in Masters, I got them from there recently and put them in...haven't seen seeds sorry...
Showing 31 - 40 of 106 comments

Can one use silverbeet instead of collard greens? Or maybe spinach? Would it be too much different?

- Annie

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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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