How to grow Collards in Australia
Grow collards in full sun in firm, rich, well-drained soil, and they handle heat and cold better than most brassicas. Water deeply and consistently and feed with a nitrogen-rich fertiliser.
At a glance
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Sun: Full sun
- Water: 5 litres a week, watered every 2 days
- Spacing: 45 cm
- Time to harvest: 75 days
- Time to germinate: 10 days
- Soil pH: 6.5 to 7.5
- Frost tolerance: Frost hardy
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| South East Queensland | February to August | |
| Northern Rivers NSW | February to August | |
| Sydney & Coastal NSW | February to August | |
| Melbourne & Victoria | March to September | Sow Mar to Sep as for kale. Frost hardy, and the leaves sweeten in the cold. Net against cabbage white butterfly. |
| Adelaide & SA | March to September | Sow Mar to Sep like kale. Pick leaves through winter; plants bolt when the heat returns. |
| Perth & WA | February to September | Trays from mid Feb in bright shade, plant out Mar to May, and sow direct Mar to Sep like kale. |
| Tasmania | September to February | Sow Sep to Feb as for kale. Dec to Feb sowings give the main autumn and winter crop, and frost sweetens the leaves. |
| Canberra & ACT | August to October, January to March | Sow Jan to Mar for winter leaves; frost sweetens them. Sow Aug to Oct for a spring crop. |
| North Queensland | May to August | Dry season May to Aug. The most heat tolerant of the cabbage tribe but still a dry season crop here. |
| Darwin & Top End | May to August | Dry season May to Aug. The most heat tolerant of the cabbage tribe but still a dry season crop here. |
Varieties
- Georgia Southern
- Champion
Companion planting
Good companions
Avoid planting near
Harvest and storage
Harvest tip
Pick the lower outer leaves once they reach hand size, working upward. The plant keeps producing new leaves from the top for a long cropping season.
Storage
Fridge in a bag 4 to 5 days; blanch and freeze for longer.