Collard greens are a type of leafy green vegetable in the same family as kale, cabbage, and broccoli. They have large, sturdy leaves that are dark green in color and have a slightly bitter flavor. Collard greens are a popular ingredient in many Southern dishes, such as collard greens and ham hocks, and are usually cooked with bacon, onion, garlic, and other seasonings. They are a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, and calcium.
Planning Your Garden With Collard Greens
As you plan your garden, it's important to think about the spacing, size, light, and nutrient requirements of all of your plant and how they'll grow together.
Some plants require more water than others, while other plants require dry soil. At the same time, some plants prefer full sun, and other plants need the shade to survive.
By studying what each plant requires and planning ahead where all of your plants will grow best, you can optimize your garden space.
| Life Cycle | Collard greens are an annual plant. |
| USDA Zone | Collard greens are hardy in USDA Zones 7-10. |
| Cold Tolerance | Collard greens are a cold-hardy vegetable that can tolerate temperatures down to 25. They can tolerate light frost quite well, so they can be planted in the early spring and harvested in the late fall. |
| Days to harvest | Collard greens typically take between 45 and 60 days to reach maturity and be ready for harvest. |
| Average size | The average size of a full grown collard green plant is between 2 and 3 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide. |
| Spacing requirements | Collard greens prefer a spacing of 12-18 inches apart when planted in rows. |
| Sun tolerance | Collard greens have a high sun tolerance and can be grown in full sun or partial shade. |
| Shade tolerance | Collard greens are considered to be a full sun to partial shade plant. They will produce the best yields when planted in full sun but will tolerate some shade. |
| Water requirements | Collard greens need moist soil, but not overly wet. They prefer a pH of 6.0-7.0, and require 1-2 inches of water per week. If the soil is dry, water deeply to encourage deep root growth. It is best to water in the morning and avoid wetting the foliage. |
| Fertilizer | The amount of fertilizer you should use when growing collard greens depends on the type of fertilizer you are using and the soil conditions. Generally, a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 is recommended. Apply 1/2 to 1 pound of fertilizer per 100 square feet of garden space. |
| Soil pH | The optimum pH for growing collard greens is 6.0 to 6.5. |
Why Collard Greens are Popular
People like to grow collard greens because they are easy to grow, require little maintenance, and are very nutritious. They are a great source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium, iron, and dietary fiber. They also have a mild, slightly bitter flavor that pairs well with other ingredients.
Companion Plants For Collard Greens
Companion planting is a great way to maximize your garden space and get the most out of your plants. By planting certain plants together, you can help each other thrive. In some cases, you can even help each other repel pests.
Popular companion plants for collard greens include:
Common Pests For Collard Greens
Plant pests are a common problem for gardeners. By understanding what pests are common for your plants, you can take steps to prevent them from damaging your plants.
When you grow collard greens, keep an eye out for these common pests:
- flea beetles
- slugs
- aphids
- cabbage loopers
- beetles
- cutworms
USDA Zones
USDA zones are a popular way of determining which plants can grow in your area. Zones tell you when your average first and last frost date are, as well as how cold you can expect it to get in the winter.
Our site works best if you choose your zone from the list below. If you do not know your USDA zone, then you can use our zone map.
