How to Grow Collard Green
Get Your Exact Collard Green Planting Dates
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Your Collard Green dates ·
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Supplies You'll Need
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Plant Overview
Growing Requirements
Sun
Full Sun (6+ hours)
Water
Regular (1-1.5 inches/week)
Spacing
18" apart
Depth
0.5" deep
Height
24-36"
Germination
4-7 days
Ready to Grow Collard Green?
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Seed Saving Guide
DifficultWhen to Harvest Seed
Harvest seed pods when dry and tan, before they shatter.
Processing
Thresh dried seed stalks, winnow to separate seeds from chaff.
Seed Viability
Up to 5 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.
Pro Tip
B. oleracea — crosses with all other oleracea crops including kale, broccoli, and cabbage.
Seed Storage Supplies
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Raised Bed Planting Guides
A 4×8 bed fits 14 plants of Collard Green. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →
Collard Green Planting Calendar by Zone
Collard Green Planting Calendar by State
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Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Collard Green? +
Start Collard Green seeds indoors 6 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors 0 weeks after the last frost. Use the search on this page to find exact dates for your ZIP code or city.
How long does Collard Green take to grow? +
Collard Green typically matures in about 60 days from planting. Exact timing varies by variety, soil conditions, and local climate.
Should I start Collard Green indoors or direct sow? +
Collard Green should be started indoors 6 weeks before the last frost date. This gives seedlings time to establish before being transplanted outside after frost danger has passed.
How much sun does Collard Green need? +
Collard Green requires full sun (6+ hours) to thrive.
How far apart should I plant Collard Green? +
Space Collard Green plants 18 inches apart to allow adequate airflow and root development.
How much water does Collard Green need? +
Collard Green has regular (1-1.5 inches/week) water needs. Consistent moisture is important especially during germination and early growth.
Can you save seeds from Collard Green? +
Yes — seed saving difficulty for Collard Green is rated difficult. Harvest seed pods when dry and tan, before they shatter. Thresh dried seed stalks, winnow to separate seeds from chaff.
How long do Collard Green seeds last in storage? +
Properly dried and stored Collard Green seeds remain viable for up to 5 years. Store in a cool, dark, dry location in an airtight container with a silica gel packet for best results.
Are Collard Green seeds open-pollinated? +
Yes — Collard Green is open-pollinated, meaning seeds saved from your harvest will grow plants true to the parent variety. This makes it an excellent candidate for building a self-sustaining garden.
About Collard Green
Heat and cold tolerant leafy green, a Southern cooking staple. Flavor improves after light frost. Harvest lower leaves for continuous production. Rich in vitamins K and C.
Expect your Collard Green to be ready for harvest in approximately 60 days from planting.
Use the search above or browse by zone or state to find the perfect planting dates for your location.