Grow fresh collard greens from heirloom non-GMO seeds for broad, tender green leaves and sturdy plants. Ideal for home vegetable gardens, raised beds, containers, soups, sautés, cooked greens, and seasonal harvests.
Key Features
- Produces broad, sturdy green leaves with a classic leafy vegetable appearance.
- Heirloom, non-GMO seed choice for home gardens.
- Excellent cool-season crop for spring and fall growing.
- Suitable for raised beds, garden plots, containers, and kitchen gardens.
- Leaves can be harvested young or allowed to mature for cooking.
- Supports repeated harvesting by picking outer leaves regularly.
Growing Benefits
- Provides fresh leafy greens for home cooking.
- Adds lush green foliage and structure to vegetable gardens.
- Suitable for containers and larger garden beds.
- Allows harvesting over an extended growing period.
- A traditional choice for gardeners growing versatile brassica vegetables.
Seed Specifications
- Common Name: Collard Greens
- Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea var. viridis
- Plant Type: Biennial, commonly grown as an annual
- Foliage: Broad, smooth to slightly textured leaves
- Leaf Color: Deep green
- Growth Habit: Upright leafy plant
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Fertile, loose, well-drained soil
- Water: Regular and consistent
- Germination Time: Approximately 5–10 days
- Sowing Depth: Approximately ¼ inch
- Spacing: Approximately 12–18 inches between plants
- Growing Zones: Generally suited to USDA Zones 2–11 as a cool-season crop
- Maturity: Approximately 55–85 days, depending on variety and growing conditions
- Uses: Cooked greens, sautés, soups, stews, wraps, side dishes, containers, raised beds, and vegetable gardens
Growing Tips
- Sow seeds directly outdoors during cool weather or start indoors several weeks before transplanting.
- Prepare fertile soil enriched with organic matter.
- Keep soil evenly moist during germination and early growth.
- Thin or transplant seedlings to provide enough room for broad foliage.
- Harvest lower outer leaves first while leaving the growing center intact.
- Provide afternoon shade in hot climates to help reduce heat stress.
Seed Storage
Store unused seeds in a cool, dry, dark location. Keep them sealed in their original packet or an airtight container away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight.
Unique Facts
- Collard greens are part of the Brassicaceae family, along with cabbage, kale, broccoli, and mustard.
- Collards are known for their broad, sturdy leaves and upright growth.
- The word “collard” is derived from an older term associated with coleworts, traditional leafy brassica vegetables.
- Cool weather can help produce tender, flavorful collard leaves.