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
  • 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

01 Mar 12, Debra (USA - Zone 8a climate)
My collards are starting to grow what looks like seed pods at the top of the plant. How do I harvest the seeds?
04 Mar 12, Larry Smith (USA - Zone 8b climate)
I think they are bolting (going to seed). All the energy is going into stalk and producing seeds. I think they are done when this happens.
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
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!!!
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)
05 May 21, Rolanda (USA - Zone 9b climate)
My collard seeds did germinate but they aren't growing beyond the first set of leaves. What his happening?
06 May 21, Anonymous (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Are you planting at the right time? How fertile is your soil. Fertiliser, watering and full sunlight are required.
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.
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 21 comments

My collards are starting to grow what looks like seed pods at the top of the plant. How do I harvest the seeds?

- Debra

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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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