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                    
    T T                

(Best months for growing Collards in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • 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
  • Collard leaves

Leafy, green vegetable - heat tolerant so a good substitute for kale and cabbage in tropical areas. Also recommended for health reasons.

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.
One of the most common vegetables in East Africa.
In the United States, collard greens symbolize Southern culture and African-American culture and identity.

Your comments and tips

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?
28 Feb 17, Linda (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Hey there, you can buy the seeds online.
08 Apr 18, Paul (New Zealand - temperate climate)
But whereabouts online? I have yet to find it available online in NZ and importing it from overseas is likely to run foul of our immigration laws.
18 Apr 18, Barry (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Hi Paul The Koanga Institute have seeds available they call it the Dalmatian cabbage. I think i have seen it advertised in either the Egmont seeds catalogue or the Kings seeds catalogue. All three have on line catalogues. Collards are a type of Brassica. Regards Barry
17 Jan 19, Alan Jorgensen (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Hi, you can try Kings Seeds in Kati Kati Bay of plenty they have a mail order system. Good luck.
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?
08 Feb 21, Anonymous (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Look up the internet for an organic spray.
20 Apr 23, Alison (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Pyrethrum might work
21 Feb 21, Benny Anthony (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I live in West Auckland New Zealand and would like to know where I can find collard greens?
23 Feb 21, Anonymous (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Try seed selling companies on the net.
Showing 1 - 10 of 11 comments

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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. GardenGrow 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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