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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

08 Apr 13, Mike (Australia - temperate climate): For anyone in Adelaide, I got some collard seeds yesterday from Wilson's organics which is just off gouger st by the central markets. They are from Eden seeds who also have a website with heaps of different seeds. Hope this helps.
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02 Mar 13, Karen (Australia - temperate climate): Collard Greens is not an expression used in Australia. Thanks Sri for listing what they include: broccoli, brussel sprouts etc
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29 Dec 12, Gavin (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate): Hey Hello....where in Joburg can I buy collard greens ??
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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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18 Oct 11, marie-line (Australia - temperate climate): I leave in Adelaide Australia and would like to know where (market/shopping centre) i can buy Collard greens here to cook myself. Kind regards Marie-Line
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03 Aug 11, Myrna Seagrave (Australia - sub-tropical climate): What are Collard Greens exactly What does Collard Greens mean? Thanks Myrna
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21 Aug 11, (Australia - temperate climate): They are a loose-leafed brassica, a bit like a kale.
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12 Apr 11, Ronnie (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate): I would like to grow collards or collard greens. Where can I find seed or seedlings please. Are they the same as silverbeet or does silverbeet have the same or similar levels of Vitamin A?
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12 Apr 11, Neville (Australia - temperate climate): Can you please tell me how or where I might buy some collard seeds to grow the plant. Thank you for any help you can give me. Kind regards, Neville
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Post a question, comment or tip about Collards

Replying to:

According to Wiki, Collards are also known as Borekale, and are a member of the Brassica oleracea Acephala Group along with broccoli, cauliflower and brussels sprouts. Collards and Kale although closely related which are genetically similar, but are not the same thing. If you want Collards, be certain that you are not getting Kale.

- Michelle

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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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