How To Grow Collards in Australia

• Getting Started with Collards
• Choosing the Right Variety of Collards
• Selecting the Perfect Spot for Growing Collards
• Planting Collards
• Preparing the Soil for Collards
• Sowing Collard Seeds or Transplants
• Caring for Collards
• Watering Collards
• Fertilising Collards
• Protecting Collards from Pests and Diseases
• Harvesting and Using Collards
• When to Harvest Collards
• Harvesting Collard Leaves

When to Plant Collards in Australia

Tropical

Best planting months for Collards in the Tropical regions are from April to September. This includes areas like Cairns, Darwin, and Broome.

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Subtropical

For the Subtropical region, Collards can be planted from April to June and August to December. Cities in the Subtropical region include Brisbane, Central Coast, and Sydney.

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Temperate

Collards can be planted from January to April and August to December in the Temperate regions of Australia. Cities in the Temperate region include Melbourne, Adelaide, Geelong, and Perth.

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Cool

For the Cool region, Collards can be planted from from January to March and August to December. Cities in the Cool region include alpine regions of Victoria and Tasmania.

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Arid

Best planting months for Collards in the Arid region are March to Augustt.

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Getting Started with Collards

If you're an organic gardener looking to grow collards in Australia, you've come to the right place. In this section, we'll discuss the initial steps to get you started on your collard-growing journey. Let's begin by choosing the right variety of collards and selecting the perfect spot for your collard plants.

Choosing the Right Variety of Collards

Collards come in different varieties, each with its own unique characteristics. When selecting a variety, consider factors such as taste, leaf texture, and growth habit. Some popular collard varieties that thrive in Australian climates include:

By choosing a variety that suits your taste preferences and climate conditions, you'll set yourself up for a successful collard-growing experience.

Selecting the Perfect Spot for Growing Collards

Collards thrive in full sun, so it's important to select a spot in your garden that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. The soil should be well-draining and rich in organic matter. Before planting, ensure that the soil pH is between 6.0 and 7.5, as collards prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil.

If you're unsure about the pH level of your soil, you can easily test it using a DIY soil testing kit or by sending a sample to a local agricultural extension service. Once you know the pH level, you can make amendments to the soil if necessary. For more information on soil preparation and pH adjustment, visit our article on how to grow cauliflower in Australia.

It's also important to consider the spacing requirements for collards. These leafy greens need room to grow, so ensure that you provide adequate spacing between plants. A spacing of 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 cm) between plants and 24 to 36 inches (60 to 90 cm) between rows is generally recommended.

Now that you've chosen the right variety of collards and identified the perfect spot in your garden, you're well on your way to a successful collard-growing experience. In the next section, we'll cover the steps for planting collards and getting them off to a healthy start.

Planting Collards

Now that you're ready to dive into growing collards in Australia, it's time to get your hands dirty and start planting! In this section, we'll cover two important steps in the planting process: preparing the soil for collards and sowing collard seeds or transplants.

Preparing the Soil for Collards

Collards thrive in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Before planting, it's essential to prepare the soil to create a favourable environment for your collard plants. Here's how:

1. Choose the right location: Collards prefer full sun, so select a spot in your garden that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Ensure that the area is protected from strong winds, as they can damage the delicate leaves.
2. Clear the area: Remove any weeds, rocks, or debris from the planting site. Weeds compete with collards for nutrients and water, so it's important to eliminate them to give your collards the best chance to thrive.
3. Loosen the soil: Use a garden fork or tiller to loosen the soil to a depth of about 8-10 inches. This helps to improve drainage and allows the collard roots to penetrate the soil easily.
4. Amend the soil: Collards prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 6.8. Test your soil's pH and make adjustments if necessary by adding organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure. Incorporate the organic matter into the soil to enhance its fertility and structure.

Sowing Collard Seeds or Transplants

Once you have prepared the soil, it's time to sow your collard seeds or transplant seedlings into the garden. Here's how to do it:

1. Choose your method: Collards can be grown from seeds or transplants. If you choose to start from seeds, sow them directly into the prepared soil. If you prefer transplants, purchase healthy seedlings from a reputable nursery or start your own seedlings indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date.
2. Sow the seeds or transplant seedlings: If sowing seeds, plant them about ½ inch deep and 2-3 inches apart. Thin the seedlings to a spacing of 12-18 inches once they reach a height of 3-4 inches. If transplanting seedlings, dig holes that are slightly larger than the root balls and place the seedlings in the holes. Gently firm the soil around the seedlings to ensure good root-to-soil contact.
3. Water thoroughly: After planting, water the soil gently but thoroughly. This helps to settle the soil around the seeds or seedlings and provides them with the moisture they need to establish themselves.
4. Mulch the soil: Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or wood chips, around the collard plants. Mulching helps to conserve moisture, suppress weed growth, and regulate soil temperature.

Remember to provide regular waterings to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Collards require about 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or supplemental watering. For more information on growing other vegetables and herbs in Australia, check out our articles on how to grow cauliflower in Australia, how to grow mustard greens in Australia, and how to grow pak choy in Australia.

With your collard seeds or seedlings in the ground and the soil prepared, you're well on your way to growing your own bountiful collard harvest. In the next section, we'll cover essential care tips to ensure your collards thrive throughout their growing season.

Caring for Collards

Once you have planted your collards, it's important to provide them with proper care to ensure healthy growth and a bountiful harvest. The care for collards primarily involves watering, fertilising, and protecting them from pests and diseases.

Watering Collards

Collards require consistent moisture to thrive, especially during hot and dry periods. Aim to keep the soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged. Watering deeply and thoroughly once or twice a week should be sufficient, depending on the weather conditions.

To determine when to water, check the soil moisture by inserting your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle. If it feels dry at that depth, it's time to water. It's recommended to water at the base of the plants rather than overhead to prevent moisture-related diseases. Mulching around the plants can help retain moisture and reduce weed growth. For more information on watering techniques, refer to our list of articles in our A-Z Growing Guides.

Fertilising Collards

Collards benefit from regular fertilisation to promote healthy growth and nutrient uptake. Before planting, incorporate organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, into the soil to improve its fertility. This will provide a good foundation for the collards to grow.

During the growing season, you can apply a balanced organic fertiliser every four to six weeks to provide additional nutrients. Alternatively, you can use a slow-release fertiliser according to the manufacturer's instructions. Always water the plants after applying fertiliser to ensure proper absorption. 

Protecting Collards from Pests and Diseases

Collards can be susceptible to various pests and diseases, but with proper care, you can minimise the risks. Regular monitoring of your plants is essential to catch any issues early on. Here are some common pests and diseases that can affect collards and how to manage them:

• Cabbage White Butterflies: These butterflies lay eggs on the leaves, which hatch into green caterpillars that can damage the plants. To control them, you can cover your collards with fine netting or use organic insecticides labelled for caterpillar control.
• Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects can cluster on the undersides of leaves, sucking sap from the plants. Regularly inspect your collards and use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control aphids if necessary.
• Clubroot: This soil-borne disease can cause stunted growth and deformed roots. To prevent clubroot, ensure proper soil drainage and rotate your crops regularly, avoiding planting collards or other brassicas in the same spot for at least three years.
• Downy Mildew: This fungal disease thrives in cool and moist conditions, causing yellow spots on the leaves. To prevent downy mildew, provide good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and remove and destroy any infected plant material.

Regularly check your collards for signs of pests or diseases, and take appropriate action as soon as you notice any issues. 

By providing proper care, including adequate watering, regular fertilising, and protection against pests and diseases, you can ensure that your collards grow vigorously and produce an abundant harvest. Remember to keep an eye on your plants and address any issues promptly to maintain their health and vitality.

Harvesting and Using Collards

Growing your own collards is an exciting journey, and now it's time to reap the rewards of your hard work. In this section, we will cover when and how to harvest collards, as well as some delicious ways to incorporate them into your kitchen creations.

When to Harvest Collards

Collards can be harvested at various stages of growth, depending on your preference and the specific use you have in mind. Here are some guidelines to help you determine the best time to harvest your collards:

• Baby Leaves: If you prefer tender and mild-flavoured leaves, you can start harvesting the outer leaves when they reach around 6 to 8 inches in length. This allows the inner leaves to continue growing for a later harvest.
• Mature Leaves: For more substantial and slightly tougher leaves, wait until they reach around 10 to 12 inches in length. These mature leaves are perfect for cooking and can withstand longer cooking times without losing their texture.

Remember to harvest your collards regularly to encourage continuous growth and prevent the plants from becoming too woody. It's a good practice to harvest from the bottom of the plant, working your way up to the top. This ensures that the newer leaves have time to develop fully.

Harvesting Collard Leaves

When it's time to harvest collard leaves, follow these simple steps:

1. Inspect the leaves: Examine the leaves for any signs of damage or pests. Harvest only the healthy and undamaged leaves.
2. Use clean, sharp scissors or garden shears: Snip the leaves off at the base of the stem, leaving a small portion of the stem intact for future growth.
3. Collect the leaves: Gather the harvested leaves in a basket or container, being careful not to crush or bruise them.

By harvesting your collards properly, you ensure a bountiful supply of fresh and nutritious leaves throughout the growing season.