How to Grow Collard Greens

A cool-season leafy for the home garden across the warmer US.

Collard Greens are a rewarding cool-season crop for backyard growers.

When to plant

Collard Greens are a cool-season crop. In the South and Southwest, plant in fall through winter when the heat eases. See your region on the collard greens page for exact timing.

Varieties

• Georgia Southern, Classic heat-tolerant Southern collard (Southern Exposure Seed Exchange)
• Champion, Slow-bolting, cold-hardy (Johnny's Selected Seeds)

How to grow it

• Sun & soil: full sun, rich well-drained soil with even moisture.
• Spacing: about 40 cm (16 in) between plants.
• Sowing: sow about 1 cm deep.
• Water: roughly 5 L per plant every 2 days in hot weather.

Pests & problems

Watch for Cabbage moth. In humid regions, Downy mildew and Clubroot can appear, so space for airflow and water at the roots in the morning.

Harvest

Collard Greens are usually ready to harvest in about 2 months. Pick regularly to keep plants productive.

When to plant in your region

Pick your region to see exactly when to plant collard greens where you garden.

See also: Collard Greens in the plant library →

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