{"id":445,"date":"2023-02-02T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-02-02T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/?p=445"},"modified":"2023-06-27T11:36:47","modified_gmt":"2023-06-27T18:36:47","slug":"how-to-grow-collard-greens","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-collard-greens\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Grow Collard Greens &#8211; A Beginner&#8217;s Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-layzr=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/How-to-Grow-Collard-Greens.png\" alt=\"collard greens plant growing in garden\" title=\"\"><br \/>\nCollard greens, which are known botanically as Brassica Oleracea, are a type of vegetable that can easily be grown at home. Continue reading to learn the basics of growing collard greens as well as common mistakes to avoid along the way.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-collard-greens\/#Best_Time_to_Plant_Collard_Greens\" title=\"Best Time to Plant Collard Greens\">Best Time to Plant Collard Greens<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-collard-greens\/#How_to_Plant_Collard_Greens_the_Right_Way\" title=\"How to Plant Collard Greens the Right Way\">How to Plant Collard Greens the Right Way<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-collard-greens\/#How_Much_Sunlight_is_Needed_to_Grow_Collard_Greens\" title=\"How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Collard Greens\">How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Collard Greens<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-collard-greens\/#How_Much_to_Water_Collard_Greens\" title=\"How Much to Water Collard Greens\">How Much to Water Collard Greens<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-collard-greens\/#How_Long_Does_it_Take_Collard_Greens_to_Germinate_and_Grow\" title=\"How Long Does it Take Collard Greens to Germinate and Grow?\">How Long Does it Take Collard Greens to Germinate and Grow?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-collard-greens\/#When_to_Harvest_Collard_Greens\" title=\"When to Harvest Collard Greens\">When to Harvest Collard Greens<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-collard-greens\/#What_Can_Collard_Greens_Be_Used_For\" title=\"What Can Collard Greens Be Used For?\">What Can Collard Greens Be Used For?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-collard-greens\/#Can_Collard_Greens_Grow_in_Pots_and_Containers\" title=\"Can Collard Greens Grow in Pots and Containers?\">Can Collard Greens Grow in Pots and Containers?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-collard-greens\/#Are_Collard_Greens_Safe_for_Bees\" title=\"Are Collard Greens Safe for Bees?\">Are Collard Greens Safe for Bees?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Best_Time_to_Plant_Collard_Greens\"><\/span>Best Time to Plant Collard Greens<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>This will depend largely on your local climate, but as a rule of thumb, begin to plant the collard green seeds spring 3 to 4 weeks before the last frost. This is the best time to ensure that the seedlings survive the weather.<\/p>\n<p>To check when collard greens are most likely to thrive in your area, see the <a href=\"https:\/\/planthardiness.ars.usda.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map<\/a>. If you live outside the US, do a quick search for &#8216;plant hardiness zone + [city]&#8217;.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Plant_Collard_Greens_the_Right_Way\"><\/span>How to Plant Collard Greens the Right Way<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>There are a number of things to consider that will help you avoid some of the common mistakes of growing collard greens in your home garden. <\/p>\n<p>Often overlooked, your soil can have a huge impact on how well your collard greens grow. Generally, your soil should be lighter, well-drained, sandy soils. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.esf.edu\/pubprog\/brochure\/soilph\/soilph.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Soil PH levels<\/a> should be around 6.0 to 6.5.<\/p>\n<p>approximately 8&#8243; apart in rows. roughly 2&#8242; apart. The seeds should be sowed at a depth of about .25-.5&#8243;. For each plant, be sure to sow at least a few seeds to ensure that at least one of them will germinate.<\/p>\n<p>Begin thinning your collard green seedlings 1 plant every 2&#8242; when seedlings are 2&#8243; tall.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Much_Sunlight_is_Needed_to_Grow_Collard_Greens\"><\/span>How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Collard Greens<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The amount of sunlight is another key to a successful harvest. Too much sunlight will dry out your collard greens. Not enough sunlight will stunt your its growth or even kill it.<\/p>\n<p>Ideally, your collard greens should be getting full sun, which means as much sunlight as you can possibly give it, or at least 6 hours or more. <\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Much_to_Water_Collard_Greens\"><\/span>How Much to Water Collard Greens<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>As you&#8217;ve figured by now, a lot can have an impact on how well your collard greens do, and the amount of water is no different.<\/p>\n<p>Ideally, the soil should be damp to touch; not soggy or bone dry. If the leaves on your collard greens begin to change colors or start to look droopy, you need to adjust how much water you&#8217;re giving it.<\/p>\n<p>Unfortunately, if you give it too much or too little water, you can kill it, so it&#8217;s best to just keep an eye on it and water as needed.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Long_Does_it_Take_Collard_Greens_to_Germinate_and_Grow\"><\/span>How Long Does it Take Collard Greens to Germinate and Grow?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Now the fun part begins and you get to watch your collard greens grow.<\/p>\n<p>It takes approximately 8-12 days to germinate, and a total of 75 days from seed to harvest.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_to_Harvest_Collard_Greens\"><\/span>When to Harvest Collard Greens<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The best time to harvest your collard greens is when they are up to 10 inches long, dark green, and still young.<\/p>\n<p>Collard greens can grow up to about 20 to 36 in.\u00a0tall; 24- to 36-in.\u00a0spread.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Can_Collard_Greens_Be_Used_For\"><\/span>What Can Collard Greens Be Used For?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Food Use:<\/strong> sweet\u00a0foods: yams, baked beans, and potato salad\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><strong>Flavor Profile:<\/strong> Mild flavor improves with light frost.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_Collard_Greens_Grow_in_Pots_and_Containers\"><\/span>Can Collard Greens Grow in Pots and Containers?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, you will ideally need a  12&#8243;+ containerfor each plant. This can help control weeds and keep your plant from growing out of control.<\/p>\n<p>It also gives you the flexibility to move your collard greens around if you need to adjust sunlight or bring it indoors to avoid harsh weather conditions.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_Collard_Greens_Safe_for_Bees\"><\/span>Are Collard Greens Safe for Bees?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, collard greens are safe for bees. <\/p>\n<p>According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/usa\/sustainable-agriculture\/save-the-bees\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">GreenPeace.org<\/a>, bees pollinate human food crops that make up about 90% of the world&#8217;s nutrition.<\/p>\n<p>Given their importance in our ecosystem and food supply, I feel it is important to note that growing collard greens is bee-friendly.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Collard greens, which are known botanically as Brassica Oleracea, are a type of vegetable that can easily be grown at home. Continue reading to learn the basics of growing collard greens as well as common mistakes to avoid along the way. Best Time to Plant Collard Greens This will depend largely on your local climate, but as a rule of thumb, begin to plant the collard green seeds spring 3 to 4 weeks before the last frost. This is the best time to ensure that the seedlings survive the weather. To check when collard greens are most likely to thrive <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":375,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[18,232],"tags":[36,22],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/445"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=445"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/445\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":828,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/445\/revisions\/828"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/375"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=445"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=445"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=445"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}