How to Grow Collards

Beginner-Friendly

Brassica oleracea var. viridis

A hardy cool-season brassica producing large, flavourful leaves. More heat-tolerant than kale and more cold-hardy than cabbage. A Southern garden staple that produces through winter in mild climates.

Last updated: June 2026

Days to Maturity
60–80 days
typical
Per Square Foot
1
Plant Spacing
46 cm / 18"
Sun
6+ hours
Water
1.5" / 38 mm
Fertilization
heavy feeder

Growing Notes

Start indoors 6 weeks before last frost or direct sow. Harvest lower leaves as needed — the plant keeps producing from the top. Flavour improves dramatically after frost. Survives temperatures well below freezing.

Popular Varieties

1 collards cultivars in our catalog.

Georgia Southern Collards
Open-Pollinated
Height
36–36" (91–91 cm)
Avg fruit
0.1 oz (3 g)
Support
none
Harvest
cut-and-come-again

Square Foot Spacing

1 per sq ft

12" apart (entire square)

View full spacing chart →

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