Family: Brassicaceae
Binomial name: Brassica oleracea
Life Cycle: Biennial (usually grown as an annual)
Collards is a cool season crop. Use the table below to identify the best time of year to sow collards in your climate.
JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cool | ||||||||||||
Temperate | ||||||||||||
Sub-Tropical | ||||||||||||
Tropical | ||||||||||||
Arid |
Collards plants are best grown in full sun. Choose a location that will receive at least 6 hours of full sun each day.
Collards plants need a well drained soil enriched with plenty of organic matter. Prepare soil by weeding it thoroughly, digging it over to loosen it and adding aged animal manure or compost. Keep the area free of weeds until planting.
Collards seeds do not require any treatment (eg soaking, stratification) before sowing.
Collards seeds can be sown directly into the garden OR seedlings can be raised in trays or other containers and transplanted to the garden once established.
Collards is a cool season crop that will bolt in very hot weather. Do not transplant seedlings or sow seeds outside in very warm temperatures.
Collards plants may need watering during the growing season. Water when the soil is dry about 5cm below the surface (test this by scratching away a little soil with your finger). Water deeply in the early morning or late afternoon. Avoid watering the leaves of plants to avoid fungal diseases. Learn more about watering here.
If soil was well prepared no extra fertiliser should be necessary. In poor soil or to give your plants an extra boost, application of a high-nitrogen fertiliser or one formulated for leafy greens or herbs can be beneficial:
Collards should be ready to harvest in approximately 60-80 days.
Leaves are ready to harvest when they are large enough to eat, and can be harvested as needed. Harvest leaves by cutting off the outer ones at the base, leaving some on the plant for future growth. Store leaves short term in a perforated plastic bag in the fridge. For long term storage leaves can be chopped and blanched then frozen.
Like all plants, collards is susceptible to some pests, diseases and other problems. Below is a list of the most common problems gardeners encounter when growing collards plants: