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

Your comments and tips

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for Australia | for all countries
13 Nov 09, stu (Australia - tropical climate)
wondering if the amarant will grow in the kimberly region!,and do you know of any side effects of eating it?
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04 Jan 10, Annie (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Can one use silverbeet instead of collard greens? Or maybe spinach? Would it be too much different?
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21 Jan 10, Nettie (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Where can I purchase seeds or seedlings of Galician Kale (Couve-galega)? It grows up to about 1 to 1.5 metres on a fairly long single stem and leaves are harvested from near the top as needed. It is common to Portugal and forms the basis of a delicious Portuguese soup called Caldo Verde.
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22 Feb 10, David (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Folks, I trying to locate a supplier of Collard Greens seeds or seedlings in the Perth Western Australia area. I've scoured the usual web sites, without success. I've tried contacting Brisbane Organic Growers of Windsor QLD but it appears their web site is shut down. Can anyone please help me?
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03 Aug 10, Tonya Lee (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi David, I'm from Arkansas... I live in Brisbane though... I haven't found anything even close... They throw away the tops of Turnips here too... Maybe try an international seed supplier?
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02 Mar 10, shaun (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Giot collards from Eden seed and eBay...I let them go to seed in the garden and they self sow well. Not prolific and the white cabbage butterfly have a good go at them more than anything else in the garden. Also grow Kale very well..what an under estimated beauty
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02 Mar 10, shaun (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
some was asking about amaranth..there are two types one ornamental one edible as I understand..choose carefully we got ornamental by mistake and it grows like a weed although easy to see and pick out.
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14 Mar 10, footballi4 (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hey everyone, I just registered on this brilliant forum and desired to say hey there! Have a fabulous day!
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11 Apr 10, Spanish John (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
hiya Just saying hello while I read through the posts hopefully this is just what im looking for looks like i have a lot to read.
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10 May 10, Eva Dent (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Collard greens, how should i ask for them . are these a group of vegetables with names. ?
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Showing 11 - 20 of 106 comments
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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 :)

- Lisa

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