Collards Growing Guide0% read

Collards Growing Guide

Growing Collards is easier than you think. This guide walks you through everything you need — from planting your first seed to harvesting.

EasyVegetableBiennial~70 days to maturityCool Season

At a Glance

Difficulty

Easy

When To Start

First Chance to Plant

45 Days Before Last Frost

Last Chance to Plant

30 Days Before First Frost

When should you plant Collards?

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May 15, 2026

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Last chance

Sep 10, 2026

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The Journey Ahead

Collards's Lifecycle

Seedling

Mature Plant

Seed Production

Step 1

Prepare Your Space

0.5 cm

Seeding Depth

30 cm

Plant Spacing

45 cm

Row Spacing

Plants / Sq Ft

Vertical Growing

Yes – Tower.

Method: Tower.

Succession Planting

Yes.

Good Companions

Beetscelerychamomiledillgarlicmarigoldmintnasturtiumonionrosemarysagethyme

Bad Companions

Strawberry

Step 2

Planting & Sprouting

Expect sprouts in 5–10 days

Growing Tips

1Plant collards in a spot that gets full sun for at least 6 hours a day.
2Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and use mulch to retain moisture.
3Space plants about 18 to 24 inches apart to allow for good air circulation, which helps prevent diseases.
4To manage pests, regularly check for and remove caterpillars and use row covers to protect young plants.

Seedling Phase

Step 3

Growth & Maturity

~70

Days to Maturity

90 cm

Mature Height

60 cm

Mature Width

Pests to Watch For

Aphidscabbage loopersflea beetlescabbage wormsslugs

Diseases to Watch For

Black rotDowny mildewAlternaria leaf spotClubrootFusarium wilt

Mature Plant

Step 4

Harvesting

Harvest Window

90 days

When to Pick

Pick outer leaves regularly

How to Harvest

1Harvest collards when the leaves are large and firm, typically 6-8 inches long.
2Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the outer leaves near the base, leaving the central bud intact to encourage continued growth.
3Avoid pulling leaves to prevent damaging the plant.

Step 5

Saving Seeds

How to Save Seeds

Saving seeds from your Collards plant is a simple and rewarding process that any new grower can master! Allow a few healthy collard plants to flower and form seed pods, which will turn brown and dry on the plant. Once the pods are dry, gently collect them and carefully break them open to release the seeds. Let the seeds air dry for a few days, then store them in a labeled envelope or jar in a cool, dry place—your seeds will be ready for next season’s planting! With just a little patience, you’ll have your own homegrown seeds and the satisfaction of knowing you can keep your garden growing year after year.

Seed Production