Depth to Plant
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Spacing Between Plants |
Spacing Between Rows |
Days to Germinate (Sprout)
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Germination
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Planting Season
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Plant Height |
No. of Plants per sq. ft.
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Soil Requirements
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 Shop Collard Greens |
0.25 inches deep |
Space plants about 12" apart |
Space rows about 12" apart |
7 - 21 days | 75F - 85F | Spring Summer Fall Winter |
Appx. 24" tall | 1 plant per sq. ft. | Prefers soil with pH levels of 6.5 - 7.5. |
Starting Collard Greens from Seed
Growing collard greens from seed is one of the most rewarding ways to enjoy this nutrient-rich vegetable. Whether you're an experienced gardener or just beginning, collards are forgiving plants that thrive with basic care and attention. Here's everything you need to know to successfully grow them organically.
Choose the Right Time to Plant
Collard greens are cool-season crops that prefer temperatures between 45°F and 75°F. Plant seeds in early spring for a late spring or early summer harvest, or start seeds in mid-summer for a fall and winter harvest. In milder climates, you can plant collards almost year-round. Direct sow seeds outdoors about 4 to 6 weeks before your first frost date for best results.
Prepare Your Soil
Collard greens thrive in rich, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. Before planting, work compost or aged manure into your garden bed to improve soil structure and nutrient content. Collards prefer soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. If your soil is acidic, add lime a few weeks before planting. Ensure the area receives full sun—at least 6 hours daily—for the strongest growth.
Sow Your Seeds
Direct sow collard seeds about half an inch deep and space them 2 inches apart in rows 18 to 24 inches apart. Keep the soil consistently moist until seedlings emerge, which typically takes 5 to 10 days. Once seedlings have developed 2 to 3 true leaves, thin them to 12 to 18 inches apart. You can transplant thinned seedlings to other areas of your garden or use them in salads.
Water and Mulch Regularly
Water collard greens deeply and consistently, providing about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week. Irregular watering can lead to tough, bitter leaves. Apply 2 to 3 inches of organic mulch around plants to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Keep mulch a few inches away from the stem to prevent rot.
Support Growth with Organic Feeding
About 3 weeks after seedlings emerge, apply compost or a balanced organic fertilizer to support leaf development. You can side-dress plants with compost every 4 to 6 weeks throughout the growing season. Collards are heavy feeders, so adding organic matter keeps them healthy and productive.
Manage Pests Naturally
Common collard pests include cabbage worms, flea beetles, and aphids. Inspect plants regularly and hand-pick larger insects. Use row covers on young seedlings to prevent flea beetle damage. For persistent infestations, apply organic neem oil or insecticidal soap according to product directions. Encourage beneficial insects by planting flowers nearby.
Harvest Your Collards
Collard greens are ready to harvest about 70 to 80 days after planting, once leaves are dark green and 8 to 10 inches long. Harvest outer leaves from the bottom of the plant first, allowing the center to keep growing and producing new leaves. Regular harvesting encourages the plant to produce more foliage. Alternatively, cut the entire head 2 inches above the soil for a second flush of smaller leaves.
Enjoy Your Organic Harvest
Fresh collard greens are versatile in the kitchen—sauté them with garlic, add them to soups, or blend them into smoothies. Store unwashed greens in a plastic bag in your refrigerator for up to a week. Growing collards from seed connects you to the food on your table and provides a satisfying gardening experience from start to finish.
