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

28 Feb 21, Jess (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Hi Benny, try ' King seeds '. That's where I got mine. Best of luck
23 Feb 21, Anonymous (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Try seed selling companies on the net.
05 Feb 21, Jess (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Hi, what can I plant with my collards to deter small white flys that seem to be All over the underside of my collards?
20 Apr 23, Alison (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Pyrethrum might work
08 Feb 21, Anonymous (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Look up the internet for an organic spray.
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.?
Showing 21 - 30 of 101 comments

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!!!

- Kathy

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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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