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 S S S          
          T T T T      
      P P P P          

(Best months for growing Collards in Australia - tropical 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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for Australia | for all countries
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.
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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?
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03 Jun 23, (Australia - temperate climate)
It says to plant Spring. Reason - soil temperature.
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27 Nov 22, Mary Ann Wright (Australia - temperate climate)
Where can I purchase Collard Green seeds in Australia . Thank- you
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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 :)
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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.
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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.
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05 Sep 17, Geraldine (Australia - tropical climate)
Can i buy the collard greens seeds here in Queensland, Australia.?
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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.
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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
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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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