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Growing Collards, also Collard greens, Borekale

(Brassica sp.)

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
    S P P              

(Best months for planting Collards in USA - Zone 5a regions)

S = Plant undercover in seed trays. P = Plant direct in garden where they are to grow.


  • 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: Dwarf (bush) beans, beets, celery, cucumber, onions, marigold, nasturtium, rhubarb, aromatic herbs (sage, dill, chamomile)
  • Avoid growing with: 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.

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


Your comments and tips

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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?
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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.
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Post a question, comment or tip about Collards

i see the seed packets everywhere in garden centres at kmart, big w, bunnings etc they are quite in fashion to grow at the moment along with purple carrots!

- Anonymous


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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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