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 46°F and 86°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 16 - 20 inches 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 Dec 10, Sri (Australia - temperate climate)
Also to clarify ornamental does not mean poisonous it just means its not the best suited to consuming. Also ornamental Kale is regularly found in amongst the vegetable seedlings in plant nurseries because most of the staff who place the seedlings dont know any different.
26 Aug 10, harry testoni (Australia - temperate climate)
to david who is having trouble getting collard seeds give me call on the net and i can give you a few seeds to get started. cheers harry.
17 Jun 10, fransisca (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
where to buy a collard green in aussie market?? i cant find that kind of vegetable at safeway
15 May 10, Iina L (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I'm also looking for collard green seeds that will grow in a sub-tropical climate (Queensland). It would be nice to find a variety that looks nice in the garden as well as being edible. Can anyone give guidance?
18 May 10, (Australia - temperate climate)
Eden seeds might be able to help - they have collard seeds and are in Queensland.
10 May 10, Eva Dent (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Collard greens, how should i ask for them . are these a group of vegetables with names. ?
18 May 10, (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Eva, they are a plant called collards - a type of loose-leafed cabbage.
11 Apr 10, Spanish John (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
hiya Just saying hello while I read through the posts hopefully this is just what im looking for looks like i have a lot to read.
14 Mar 10, footballi4 (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hey everyone, I just registered on this brilliant forum and desired to say hey there! Have a fabulous day!
02 Mar 10, shaun (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
some was asking about amaranth..there are two types one ornamental one edible as I understand..choose carefully we got ornamental by mistake and it grows like a weed although easy to see and pick out.
Showing 81 - 90 of 106 comments

Collard is commonly known as kale and they come from the brassica family which is cabbage,broccoli,brussel sprouts etc... Most kale is ornamental and not for eating but i have seen the edible type sold in punnets at nurseries but i have to say i have not seen them for a long time.

- Sri

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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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