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

04 Sep 22, (USA - Zone 8a climate)
Plant Aug - Sept it says.
17 Sep 22, Virginia Cantrell (USA - Zone 9b climate)
When do I plant fall garden. Collards, broccoli, and cabbage
19 Sep 22, Anonymous (USA - Zone 9b climate)
In the early to mid fall. You grow into the winter. Check the planting guide here.
18 Nov 22, Ruth A Hersh (USA - Zone 9a climate)
oct, nov, dec
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?
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.
Showing 11 - 16 of 16 comments

oct, nov, dec

- Ruth A Hersh

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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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