Crop Rotation Group
Brassicas (Cabbage family) ●
Soil
Fertile, well-drained soil with plenty of well rotted compost dug in.
Position
Full sun.
Frost tolerant
Yes.
Feeding
Not usually required, but may be needed if plants grow slowly.
Spacing
Single Plants: 30cm (11") each way (minimum)
Rows: 30cm (11") with 40cm (1' 3") row gap (minimum)
Sow and Plant
Sow indoors in late winter to early spring and set out when plants have 5 leaves. They handle the summer heat quite well. They are slightly sweeter than kale and can be grown as a 'cut and come again crop', providing cabbage flavour without having to grow and harvest an entire head. (Also a good option for smaller gardens.) Start another planting in seed trays or a seed bed in mid to late summer, and set out in early autumn for a winter crop. They are sweeter in colder weather.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.
Notes
The flavor of collards is improved by cool temperatures, so winter is the preferred time to grow this crop.
Harvesting
Harvest leaves individually, when they are about the size of your hand.
Troubleshooting
In warm weather, cabbageworms may feed on leaves. Exclude them with floating row covers. In cool weather, watch for outbreaks of gray-green cabbage aphids in leaf crevices. Pick off and compost badly infested leaves.
Planting and Harvesting Calendar
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Pests which Affect Collards