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

13 Apr 16, Lesley Oregan (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi campbelltown... I live near you. I know this post was 2 years ago but am wondering how successful you were with growth. I've tried growing kale a number of times but each time they were instantly eaten by very hungry caterpillars while all my other plants were totally left alone.
30 Nov 16, April (Australia - temperate climate)
I have found the best way to keep caterpillars off is to keep the plants covered with a very fine net where there is no way for moths to get to them to lay their eggs, make sure the net is held off the growing plants. I've heard spraying with diluted garlic juice is also good but I haven't tried it myself. Plants are only as good as the soil they are grown in so make sure you feed your soil with lots of home-grown compost. The healthier the soil is the less moths and other pests will be attracted to your garden beds. Plants give off an odour that pests can detect if they are not getting all the nutrients they need to grow properly so then pests attack the plant and you know the rest. Good luck.
26 Dec 13, Engela (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Where can I buy collards in South Africa?
24 Nov 13, Lynda (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I want to start juicing and have come across collards in the recipe. My question is do they grow in the sub-tropics/temperate climate. I live in the northern rivers of NSW. If not where can I buy collards. Tks lynda
06 Mar 16, Pete (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Collards will love it in your area! Put seeds in a starter now.
21 Jun 15, Sophie (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi I live around this area too and collards growing great in my raised garden beds. Bought seedlings at organic nursery in murwillumbah.
12 Aug 13, (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Please can you tell me where I can purchase collard seeds.
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.
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
27 Nov 13, Jesse (Australia - arid climate)
Sorry Karen, whoever told you that collard greens are broccoli and Brussel sprouts or even similar, had no idea what they are talking about. You will actually find that collard greens are similar to kale. A leafy green vegetable grown similar to a lettuce or cabbage.
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