When to Plant Collards in Canberra — Cold / Highland Guide
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Collards (also called collard greens or borekale) are a non-heading brassica producing large, flat, dark green leaves on sturdy stems. More heat-tolerant than cabbage and kale, and equally cold-hardy, making them one of the most versatile brassica greens for Australian gardens. The flavour is mild and slightly sweet, improving after frost exposure. Underutilised in Australia but gaining popularity.
Planting Calendar
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S/T/D | S/T | T | — | — | — | — | S | S/T/D | S/T/D | S/T/D | S/T/D |
S = Seed Tray T = Transplant D = Direct Sow
Current Growing Conditions
Soil temperature: 18.9°C (optimal range: 8–30°C) ✓ Ready to plant
How to Grow Collards in Cold / Highland Australia
When to Plant
October-March. Frost hardy. Will survive highland winters with protection.
- Soil
- Rich, well-drained soil amended with plenty of compost and aged manure. Tolerates heavier clay soils better than most brassicas.
- pH Range
- 6.0-6.8
- Sunlight
- Full sun (6+ hours). Tolerates part shade, especially in warmer zones. Minimum 3 hours direct sun.
- Spacing
- 60cm apart, 75cm between rows
- Watering
- Deep watering 2-3 times per week. Consistent moisture produces tender leaves. Drought stress toughens leaves and may trigger bolting. Drip irrigation ideal.
Companion plants: Onion, Garlic, Celery, Dill, Chamomile, Nasturtium (trap crop)
Avoid planting near: Strawberry, Tomato, Other brassicas in succession (disease buildup)
Cold / Highland Growing Tips for Collards
Recommended Varieties
- Vates (most cold-hardy)
- Champion
Key Challenges
- Very slow growth in winter
- Short productive season
Pro Tips
- One of the hardiest leafy greens for cold climates
- Frost improves flavour by converting starches to sugars
- Mulch heavily around base for winter protection
Harvesting Collards
When ready: Leaves are large (20-30cm), dark green, and firm. Harvest from the bottom of the plant upwards. Leaves should snap cleanly when bent.
How to harvest: Cut-and-come-again: snap or cut lower leaves, leaving the growing tip and upper leaves to continue producing. Never harvest more than 1/3 of leaves at once.
Common Collards Pests in Cold / Highland Zones
Organic prevention: Net from planting. Companion plant with herbs. Inspect leaf undersides regularly.
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