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Brassicas

Collards growing guide

Loose-leaf brassica popular in Southern US gardens and hardy cool-season plots. More heat tolerant than many cabbages.

Photo reference

Use this real-world photo as the main plant reference, then compare it with the botanical drawings below for leaf, flower and harvest details.

Collards real-world photo reference (Brassica oleracea var. viridis)
Plotera · Plotera · Plotera-owned generated image
5-10 daysGermination
60-85 daysHarvest
45 cmSpacing
1 cmSow depth
FullSun
HardyFrost
2.5 cm/weekWater
6-7.5pH

Planting calendar by climate

Use these windows as a public guide. Plotera can personalise tasks around your saved garden, location and planting dates.

ClimateSowTransplant / PlantHarvest
TropicalApr - AugApr - AugMay - Sep
SubtropicalMar - AugApr - AugMay - Oct
MediterraneanMar - SepApr - SepMay - Nov
TemperateFeb - AprApr - JunMay - Oct
CoolMar - MayMay - JulJun - Oct
AridMar - MayApr - JunMay - Aug

Botanical reference

Compare the whole plant first, then check the leaf, flower and harvest detail to identify what Collards should look like as it grows.

Collards whole plant

Whole plant

Overall shape, height, branching and growth habit.

Collards leaf detail

Leaf detail

Leaf shape, edges, colour and vein pattern.

Collards flower detail

Flower detail

Flower colour, structure and where blooms appear.

Collards harvest / detail

Harvest / detail

Fruit, root, seed, pod or the strongest identifying feature.

Cooking and eating ideas

A quick garden-to-table guide for using Collards after harvest.

Raw / fresh

Use young tender leaves fresh in salads, wraps, bowls, sandwiches, or as a garnish where suitable.

Cooked

Wilt, steam, stir-fry, braise, add to soups, fold into omelettes, or use in savoury bakes.

Store / preserve

Use fresh, blanch and freeze sturdy greens, ferment, or make herb-style pastes depending on the crop.

Try: Fresh salad, Garlic stir-fry, Soup greens, Wilted side.

Good companions

Dill, Onion, Celery, Chamomile, Annual

Avoid near

Strawberry

Growing note

Harvest lower leaves first. Flavour improves after light frost.

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