Step-by-Step Growing Guide
Collard greens are the most heat and cold tolerant member of the brassica family — they survive temperatures from -12°C to 35°C, making them a nearly year-round crop in most climates. They grow best at 16–24°C in fertile, well-drained soil at pH 6.0–7.5. Incorporate 8cm of compost and 150g per square metre of balanced fertiliser before transplanting. Space plants 45–60cm apart in rows 60–75cm apart. Start seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before transplanting, or direct-sow 1cm deep. Water consistently — 2.5–3.5cm per week — and never allow soil to dry completely. Feed with nitrogen-rich liquid fertiliser every 3–4 weeks to support continuous leaf production through the season. Unlike broccoli, collards do not head up — they produce a tall, tree-like plant with a crown of large, waxy, grey-green leaves. Harvest lower leaves first, always working from the bottom up, which allows the plant to keep producing from the centre for a full season.