Evan-Amos / Public domain
garden
Collard greens
Brassica oleracea var. acephala
Edible
Edible Partsleaves
Overview
A cornerstone of Southern American and African cuisine, collard greens are among the most nutritionally dense leafy vegetables available. These large, sturdy brassica leaves can withstand both summer heat and winter cold better than most greens, often sweeting after frost. Collards have a deep cultural significance, with continuous culinary traditions stretching from West Africa through the African American South.
Growing Conditions
LightFull Sun
MoistureModerate
Hardiness Zones3 — 11
Height0.9m
Spread0.6m
Growth HabitForb/herb
LifespanBiennial
Pollinator Valuemoderate
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Soil pH6 — 7
Soil TypeRich, moist, well-drained soil with plenty of nitrogen
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Start Indoors | Mar — Apr | Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost |
| Cold (1-2) | Transplant | May — Jun | Transplant after last frost; very cold hardy |
| Cold (1-2) | Harvest | Jul — Oct | Harvest lower leaves; flavor improves after frost |
| Cool (3-4) | Direct Sow | Apr — May | Direct sow in spring; also midsummer for fall crop |
| Cool (3-4) | Direct Sow | Jul — Jul | Summer sow for fall harvest |
| Cool (3-4) | Harvest | Jun — Nov | Pick lower leaves; freeze sweetens flavor |
| Moderate (5-7) | Direct Sow | Mar — Apr | Spring sowing |
| Moderate (5-7) | Direct Sow | Jul — Aug | Fall sowing; frost sweetens leaves |
| Moderate (5-7) | Harvest | May — Dec | Harvest outer leaves continuously |
| Warm (8-9) | Direct Sow | Aug — Oct | Fall planting; grows through winter |
| Warm (8-9) | Harvest | Oct — Mar (wraps) | Harvest through winter |
| Hot (10+) | Direct Sow | Sep — Nov | Fall/winter crop; tolerates light frost |
| Hot (10+) | Harvest | Nov — Mar (wraps) | Harvest during cool months |
Uses
Culinary
- Slow-braised with smoked meat in Southern tradition
- Chopped into soups, stews, and beans
- Used as a wrap substitute for grain-free eating
Medicinal
- One of the richest sources of vitamin K
- High in calcium and iron for bone health
- Glucosinolates support detoxification pathways
Other Uses
- Cold-hardy garden green that produces through mild winters
