When to Plant Collards in Brisbane, Subtropical Guide

Sow March to June and August to September. Right now in September you can sow.

Published · Last reviewed · By Garden Buddy
Growing advice is reviewed by hand. Planting dates, current conditions and prices on this page update daily.

This Collards guide is written for the Subtropical zone, which takes in Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. Somewhere else? Your postcode picks the right one.

Not your zone? Cairns Sydney Melbourne Canberra Alice Springs Perth

Also handy: will it frost this week? and what grows in shade.

Collards

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 for Subtropical

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
- - S S T/D T - S/D T - - -

S = Seed Tray   T = Transplant   D = Direct Sow

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Current Growing Conditions

Soil temperature: 20.4°C (optimal range: 8–30°C) ✓ Ready to plant

That figure is read off my own weather station here at Dayboro in South East Queensland at 18:55 yesterday, not a model. The radar, the rain gauge and the forecasts behind it sit on Dayboro.au.

How to Grow Collards in Subtropical Australia

When to Plant

February-July. Plant in autumn for winter-spring harvest. Can extend into summer more than other brassicas.

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)

Subtropical Growing Tips for Collards

Recommended Varieties

  • Georgia Southern
  • Vates
  • Champion

Key Challenges

  • Cabbage white butterfly
  • May bolt in warm spells
  • Less known/available in Australian nurseries

Pro Tips

  • One of the best brassica greens for subtropical gardens due to heat tolerance
  • Cut-and-come-again harvest extends productive life to 6+ months
  • Start seeds in February for earliest production

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 Subtropical Zones

Aphids, risk: MODERATE (score: 56/100)

Organic prevention: Net from planting. Companion plant with herbs. Inspect leaf undersides regularly.

View all pest alerts →

Where to next

Also worth sowing in the subtropical zone this September: Lemongrass, Ginger, Beetroot and Chilli Peppers.

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Common Questions About Collards

When do you plant collards in Australia?

It depends on your climate zone, not the calendar month alone. Planting months by zone:

Does collards grow all year round in Brisbane?

No. In the Subtropical zone the planting months are Mar to Jun, Aug to Sep. Outside that window it either bolts, sulks or gets cut down by the weather.

Which zone am I in?

Type your postcode into the box under the heading and the page tells you, and links this crop in your own zone if it differs. Or look it up on the grow zone map. This page is the Subtropical zone, Brisbane is its reference city.