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How to Grow Collard Greens

easyGardening3 months8 steps

Safety Warnings

  • Avoid planting in the same location more than once every three or four years to reduce disease.

Tools Needed

Floating row covers — For insect protection
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Materials

Collard seeds — Early cabbage or kale varieties(As needed)
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Steps

1
Prepare well-drained loam or heavy clay soil.
Tip: Ensure soil is rich for better results.
2
Sow seeds from early spring to late fall, or direct seed about three months before the expected fall frost.
Tip: For July and August sowings, choose a moist location.
3
Plant seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep, spaced 1 inch apart in rows 18 to 30 inches apart.
Tip: Seeds will germinate at soil temperatures as low as 40°F.
4
Thin seedlings to 12- to 18-inch spacings.
Tip: Thinning ensures plants have room to reach heights of 2 to 6 feet.
5
Water plants copiously to maintain growth.
Tip: Consistent moisture is key for succulent leaves.
6
Use floating row covers to protect plants from early insect infestations.
Tip: Watch for cabbage loopers, aphids, and flea beetles.
7
Maintain the garden with frequent cultivation.
Tip: Occasional stimulants like liquid manure or nitrate of soda can help.
8
Harvest by cutting plants off when they are 6 to 8 inches high.
Tip: Young leaves and tufts that arise as old leaves are pulled off also make excellent greens.

Pro Tips

  • Collards are generally less susceptible to pest damage than other cole crops.
  • Loose-growing varieties are in edible condition sooner than heading varieties.

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Sources

Synthesized from 5 verified sources:

Gutenberg: Manual of GardeningView →
Cornell ExtensionView →
Wind River Greens Plant DatabaseView →
Gutenberg: War Gardens GuideView →
Gutenberg: Farm Gardening GuideView →