Basics

Ease of Growing
Easy
Grown as
Annual
Days to Maturity
68 (Spring/Summer), 68-100 (Fall/Winter)
Growing Habit
Bush
Hardiness
Super Hardy

Very hardy, thrives as a winter crop and can be frost tolerant in temperatures as low as 0˚ F.

Crops
Spring Transplant, Spring, Fall Transplant, Fall
Growing Season
Short, Long
Cultivar Type
-
Growing Conditions
Cold, Cool, Warm, Hot

Collards are such a long season crop, they are usually direct sown 20 to 30" apart in mid spring. Wait until the cold weather has passed, so there is no chance of them being vernalized (which could cause them to bolt). Though Collards are most tender and better flavored when grown in cool weather, they do tolerate heat.

Outdoor Growing Temp
40°F - 80°F
Min Outdoor Soil Temp
45°F

Collards are pretty hardy and can go into the ground when it is still fairly cold. However they will germinate and grow faster in warmer soil.

Start Indoors
Yes
Start Outdoors
Yes
Light
Sun: min. 6 hours daily (Cold, Cool, Warm, Hot)

Collards will be most productive in full sun, though they will tolerate partial shade.

Water
Moderate

Collards must have plenty of water for maximum productivity and best quality.

Feeder
Heavy

Low nitrogen. Moderate potassium. Moderate phosphorous.

Collards have similar nutritional requirements as kale, in that it needs a significant amount of phosphorus and potassium, but not a lot of nitrogen. It will flower early with too much nitrogen.

Suitability
Tolerates light frost, Tolerates hard frost, High heat, Partial shade, Needs summer shade
Small Gardens?
Yes
Containers?
Yes

Collards grow larger than most greens, so you will need a container that is a minimum of 12" in diameter and 12 to 18" deep for one plant. Make sure that your container has drainage holes, and line the bottom with weed cloth or rocks/gravel. Cover with a mixture of potting soil and compost. Collards love sunshine, so make sure to place your container in an area that has access to sun all day. You will need to water once a day in hot climates and less frequently when the weather is cool.

Attracts beneficial insects?
No
Color
Blue-Green
Fruit Size
- "
Plant Height
30.0 - 32.0"
Plant Diameter
12.0 - 18.0"
Hardiness Zone
3-11
Disease Resistance
Taste Profile

Tastes sweeter when harvested in cooler weather.

Rotation Group
Leaves: Brassicas + Leafy Greens