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Yes, cabbage and collards can be planted together.
Both are members of the Brassica family, which means they share similar growing requirements and won’t compete with each other for space or nutrients.
They thrive in the same soil conditions, enjoy the same temperatures, and even face the same pests, so companion planting them makes a lot of sense for a smart gardener.
If you’ve been wondering whether cabbage and collards can be planted together in your vegetable garden, the short answer is absolutely yes.
In this post, we’ll explore why cabbage and collards can be planted together, the best way to grow cabbage and collards side by side, and a few tips to keep both crops healthy from seed to harvest.
Why Cabbage and Collards Can Be Planted Together
Cabbage and collards can be planted together because they are close cousins with nearly identical needs.
Here’s why this pairing works so well.
1. They Belong to the Same Plant Family
Cabbage and collards are both members of the Brassicaceae family, also known as the cruciferous or cole crop family.
This means they’ve evolved under the same conditions and respond to care in the same ways.
When you plant cabbage and collards together, you’re basically giving them the same environment they already love.
They won’t struggle against each other because their needs overlap almost perfectly.
2. They Share Similar Soil and Nutrient Needs
Both cabbage and collards prefer well-draining, loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8.
They’re also heavy feeders that appreciate nitrogen-rich soil, so a single bed prepared with compost or aged manure can support both crops.
Since cabbage and collards can be planted together in the same bed, you save time and resources by preparing just one patch.
Just make sure the soil is fertile and consistent so neither plant outcompetes the other.
3. They Thrive in the Same Temperatures
Cabbage and collards are cool-season crops that grow best when daytime temperatures sit between 60°F and 70°F.
Both can tolerate a light frost and actually taste sweeter after one.
This means you can plant cabbage and collards together in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest.
Their matching temperature preferences make timing your planting a breeze.
4. They Face the Same Pests and Diseases
Here’s the catch: because cabbage and collards are so closely related, they attract the same pests, like cabbage worms and aphids.
But that’s actually manageable when you plant them together.
You can apply one pest control strategy, like row covers or Bacillus thuringiensis, to protect both crops at once.
So while shared pests are a downside, planting cabbage and collards together lets you handle the problem in a single, efficient pass.
How to Plant Cabbage and Collards Together
Now that you know cabbage and collards can be planted together, let’s talk about how to do it right.
Follow these simple steps for a healthy, productive patch.
1. Prep Your Soil Before Planting
Start by loosening the soil to about 12 inches deep and mixing in plenty of organic matter.
Aim for a pH near 6.5 so both cabbage and collards can absorb nutrients easily.
Add a balanced fertilizer or compost a week before planting to give the soil time to settle.
Good prep is the foundation of growing cabbage and collards together successfully.
2. Give Each Plant Enough Space
Spacing matters when you plant cabbage and collards side by side because both need room to spread their leaves.
Space cabbage plants about 12 to 24 inches apart, depending on the variety.
Collards need similar spacing, usually 18 to 24 inches, since they grow into large, leafy plants.
Stagger them in rows or a grid so air can flow freely between plants.
3. Water Consistently
Both cabbage and collards need about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week.
Consistent moisture keeps their leaves tender and prevents the plants from bolting too early.
When you plant cabbage and collards together, water deeply once or twice a week rather than shallowly every day.
A layer of mulch helps retain moisture and keeps the soil cool.
4. Watch for Pests Early
Because these two share the same enemies, check your plants often for cabbage worms, aphids, and flea beetles.
Handpick any visible pests and use row covers to block moths from laying eggs.
Catching problems early is the key to growing cabbage and collards together without losing your harvest.
Tips for Growing Cabbage and Collards Together
A few extra habits will help your cabbage and collards thrive as garden companions.
Rotate your crops each season to avoid soil-borne diseases.
Feed both plants with a nitrogen boost about three weeks after transplanting.
Harvest collards leaf by leaf and cabbage heads when they feel firm and solid.
With a little attention, planting cabbage and collards together rewards you with a steady supply of fresh greens.
So, Can Cabbage and Collards Be Planted Together?
Cabbage and collards can be planted together, and doing so is a smart move for any gardener.
They share the same family, soil needs, temperature preferences, and even pest problems, which makes them natural companions in the garden.
Just give them fertile soil, proper spacing, and consistent water, and both crops will reward you with a bountiful harvest.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned grower, planting cabbage and collards together is a pairing worth trying this season.