Growing Collard Greens in the Florida Vegetable Garden

Growing Collards

Collard plant — Collards are a traditional crop to grow in southern home vegetable gardens. Photo: Tia Saracino, UF/IFAS

Collard greens are an easy to grow long lasting vegetable. Plant from seed or transplant in the spring and they will grow into the heat of summer. You can continually harvest the lower leaves and have fresh greens to add to soups and stir fries. The collard plant will continue to grow from the top of the center stem. They are both heat and cold tolerant and can grow in below freezing temperatures and additionally, established plants can last well into the summer heat!

Varieties of Collards

Recommended varieties for Florida include Georgia, Georgia Southern, Top Bunch, and Vates. Plant them 2 – 3′ apart as they can grow quite large.

Pests and Diseases

Collards are relatively pest and disease free. Amend the soil with compost and apply a mulch of pine straw or hay to established plants to build the soil and conserve soil moisture. Scout for caterpillars, stink bugs, and harlequin bugs; these can be controlled by hand picking.

Basket of collard greens — Freshly harvested collards are a delicious and nutritious vegetable. Photo: Tia Saracino, UF/IFAS

More on Growing Collards in Florida

Gardening Solutions – Collard Greens

Florida Fresh – Plant Detail on Collards

Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide

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