Crowding causes the leaves to be smaller and less green. Download a printer-friendly version of this page: How to Grow Collard Greens, View this publication in Spanish: Cómo cultivar col verde. Soil Requirements Shop Collard Greens 0.25 inches deep Space plants about 12" apart Space rows about 12" apart 7 - 21 How to Plant Collards. They typically grow on a single spindly stalk with a crown of large collard-esque leaves that cascade from the top like a little pom-pom. They are low in calories and high in protein, vitamins, and minerals. The plants may need to be sidedressed again in 4 to 6 weeks if they become pale and there is no sign that insects caused the change. Although they are a member of the cabbage family, collards do not form heads. Planting and Spacing Collard seeds ought to be planted 1/4 inches deep in the soil, either in a prepared garden bed or in a seed flat filled with seed … Always follow the label directions. Collard is a kind of kale and a primitive member of the cabbage family. The best collard greens growing environment is one with moist, fertile soil. Collards, a form of kale, feature rosettes of large, waxy leaves held on sturdy stems. Your county Extension agent can provide more information on cooking and serving collards. This brings the fertilizer under the row, where the plants can reach it easily. With a little practice, you can easily scatter the seeds by using your fingers to lightly tap the edge of the open seed packet. Collard Sowing and Planting Tips Start collards from seed or transplants. Collards are one of the most nutritious vegetables. For fall crops, start seed indoors in June. Consistent moisture will produce the best quality leaves. Sow seed ¼ to ½ (6-13 cm) inch deep in the seed-starting mix. Then thin the plants gradually until about 18 inches remain between them. For bunching, sow 3–4 seeds every 12-18", ½" deep, in rows 18–36" apart. Start seeds outdoors about two weeks before your last spring frost date or get a head start by sowing seeds indoors, four to six weeks earlier, and planting the seedlings right around your last frost date—these plants can … The Collard green seeds have to be planted just below the soil surface. Seed is viable for 4 years. Seed them heavily and then thin them. Morris Heading. In spring, sow seed directly in the garden 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep after danger of heavy frost. Yield. Before Planting: Collards need a fertile, well-drained soil high in organic matter with a pH range of 6.0–7.5. Vernalization is required for collards to bolt (become reproductive) therefore planting anytime during the growing season will result in pure vegetative growth. Plants may be transplanted to the garden anytime after the danger of hard frost has passed. Sowing Seed Indoors: Direct sowing is recommended, but to get a head start you can grow collards indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost; Sow seeds ¼ - ½ inches deep in seed-starting formula; Keep the soil moist at 70 degrees F; Seedlings emerge in 10-21 days 1). Collards can be harvested in two ways. Our work makes a difference, in the lives of Texans and on the economy. Spacing Requirements. You can also direct seed collards into your garden, leaving approximately 15 inches between plants. Irrespective of your plan to plant them in containers or ground, the seeds have to be placed at a depth of ¼ inch below the soil surface. ← GO BACK TO ALL GROW GUIDES Depth to Plant Spacing Between Plants Spacing Between Rows Days to Germinate (Sprout) Germination Soil Temp Planting Season _____ Plant Height No. The plant may grow over 9 feet tall, so the cutting needs to be deep enough for the roots already formed to anchor the plant firmly and for other roots to develop from the stem as well. Planting and Spacing Collard seeds ought to be planted 1/4 inches deep in the soil, either in a prepared garden bed or in a seed flat filled with seed-starting mix. The young plants can be either transplanted to another spot or used as greens (Fig. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks prior to the desired planting date. Check the plants daily, and treat them with an approved fungicide if diseases appear. For a fall crop, plant the seeds in the garden about 80 days before frost, which corresponds to August or September in most areas of Texas. Plant collards in rows that are 18 to 36 inches apart. Tree collards grow best given the same environment preferred by any other brassica: full sun to dappled shade, rich soil (not too acidic) and ample irrigation. Time of Planting. apart for adequate room in the rows. In about 6-weeks you can dig these bare-root plants up and transplant them into the garden with proper spacing. Usually, only the lower leaves of collards are harvested. To harvest collards, cut small plants at ground level, or remove the lower leaves as the plant grows. Sow seeds about one-eighth of an inch deep, in rows at least 24 inches apart to give the plants ample room to grow. The area chosen for collard greens planting should be in full sun. Transplants are the preferred planting material for a spring crop, as seeds germinate slowly in cool soil in the spring. Just before planting, scatter a complete garden fertilizer such as 10-10-10 over the area you will plant. Sow 3-4 seeds every 12″, ½” deep, in rows 18–36″ apart. Collards can stand temperatures of 20 degrees F or less in some cases. Space the rows 30 inches apart. Many insecticides are available at garden centers for homeowner use. If the plants have spots on the leaves, you may need to use a fungicide. Collard Sowing and Planting Tips. Use 2 or 3 pounds for each 100 square feet, or about 1 cup for each 10 feet of row. Direct seed or start indoors in April. Spread the compost over the planting area before digging. Because of its ability to withstand low temperatures, growing collard … Save Regardless of which veggie is the most “Southern,” it’s not without reason that collards are the state vegetable of South Carolina, and cities in Georgia celebrate the collard green with annual festivals! For bunching, sow 3–4 seeds every 12-18", ½" deep, in rows 18–36" apart. Plant seeds. 4). Planting collard greens is easy. This will loosen the soil so the small feeder roots can grow more easily. SCIENTIFIC NAME: Brassica oleracea CULTURE: Collards prefer a fertile, well-drained soil high in organic matter with a pH range of 6.0–7.5. Figure 3. Collard greens are a cool weather crop. Collards grow 2 to 3 feet tall (.6-.9m) with rosettes of large, non-heading, waxy leaves growing on sturdy stems. Direct Seed: Plant from early spring to approximately 3 months before expected fall frost. Transplants usually are used for the spring crop. But being a perennial plant, they require some specific pruning and training, as well as ways to integrate them in the overall garden design. Collard seeds sprout when the soil temperature reaches 45 degrees F. Enjoy steamed, braised, or stir-fried. Sow seeds ¼ inch deep. Pull the weeds or hoe them carefully to prevent damage to the collard plant’s roots. You can start collard plants from seed or nursery transplants. Collard varieties suitable for growing in Texas include Blue Max, Champion, Flash, Georgia LS, Georgia Southern, Top Bunch, and Vates. 49. Space collard plants about 18 inches apart. Collard greens are grown from seeds. Figure 1. As an alternative, the seeds have to be sprinkled on the soil and then you will have to cover them in a light manner. The vegetable is considered a “must-have” dish on many Southern tables. When the soil temperature reaches 45 °F (7 °C), it is warm enough for collards to sprout. Space them 18 to 24 inches apart in the row (Fig. 2). of Plants per sq. Scatter 1 cup of garden fertilizer beside the plants for each 30 feet of row, about 1 tablespoon per plant. Stay tuned for the first newsletter in the morning, straight to your inbox. They grow best at temperatures of 60 to 65 °F. They are grown for their leaves. Sow seeds indoors, 4-6 weeks before transplanting. Collards can be started from transplants or from seeds sown directly in the garden. Collard greens prefer well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. You can directly plant the seeds into the garden or you can buy little transplants from your garden center and pop them into the … Vernalization is a prolonged cold special that triggers a species genetic code within the plant to start reproducing. I once grew collard greens in my Zone 6 garden that survived through the winter without protection and resumed growth the next year! Space plants 6 to 18 inches apart on the row. Sometimes they will sprout back from the side of the stem. Water the plants after transplanting. Direct Seed: Plant from early spring to approximately 3 months before expected fall frost. This is called side-dressing. 3). Like many other cool-season crops, they will bolt or produce a flower stalk if exposed to a prolonged cold period following a favorable growing period. Plant collard seeds directly in the garden two weeks before the last expected spring frost or plant them at mid-summer if you want to grow the plants for a fall harvest. Neem oil, sulfur, and other fungicides are available for use. Tree collards can grow up to 10 feet or more, but they’re easily maintained as a 4-foot “shrub.” That’s not to say they look particularly shrub-like. Collards are subject to some diseases. Purple shades the foliage and the new stems. Unlike the other cultivars on this list, all loose-leaf varieties, ‘Morris’ is a heading … Learn more about growing collards. $5.49 $ 5. Collards produce enormous edible leaves from summer through fall. Plant collard seeds in rows set 3 feet apart and thin seedlings to 18 inches apart. Start seeds in individual pots or flats. Do you have a question -or- need to contact an expert? Work the soil into ridges that are 6 to 8 inches high and at least 36 inches apart (Fig. They add 4 to 5 weeks to the growing season because they can be grown indoors before the weather is warm enough to plant the seeds outside. ft. Collards (Brassica oleracea, Acephala Group) are cool-season plants that should be grown in early spring or fall. Till a 3-inch layer of compost into a well-draining, full-sun garden bed. Irrespective of your plan to plant them in containers or ground, the seeds have to be placed at a depth of ¼ inch below the soil surface. The Collard green seeds have to be planted just below the soil surface. You can also grow your own transplants by seeding plants in rows 2-3 inches apart with in-row spacing approximately 2-4 inches. Planting in late summer or early fall so they can beat the heat and grow well. Plants may be transplanted to the garden anytime after the danger of hard frost has passed. Plant seeds. Collards need a lot of space to grow. Plant collard seeds whenever in the fall or early winter season when the soil temperature level is within the germination variety. Before planting, remove rocks and large sticks from the soil; then spade it over to cover the plant material on the soil surface. Set the plants in the soil at about the same depth as they were grown indoors. Planting. Collard Seeds. Collards prefer rich, well-drained soil in full sun. They add 4 to 5 weeks to the growing season because they can be grown indoors before the weather is warm enough to plant the seeds outside. These plants will grow well in raised beds, containers, and in-ground gardens. Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostics Laboratory, Texas A&M College of Agrculture and Life Sciences, Blackland Income Growth Virtual Conference, Ranchers Agricultural Leasing Workshop: Online course, Connecting Agriculture and Health – From the Ground Up: online, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wc8xY2YuOfM. Spacing Requirements. Sow seeds ¼ inch deep. Start collards from seed or transplants. Widely considered to be a healthy food, collards are a low-calorie option and a good source of vitamin C, fiber, and vitamin K. Popular cultivars of collard seeds that we offer here include Georgia Southern and Morris Heading. The mild cabbage-like flavor of the tender leaves improves with a light frost. Collard Seeds. Thin seedlings to 18 inches (46 cm.) Collards need a lot of space to grow. Collards thrive in the hot weather and feature some of the broadest foliage I’ve … Planting 2 to 4 unrooted nodes beneath the soil will increase the tall plant’s stability later. There may be no vegetable more closely associated with the American South than collard greens. The ridges also allow water to drain away from the plant roots. This allows the plant to continue growing and producing more leaves. Collards need plenty of nitrogen to develop their dark green leaf color. Seed is viable for 4 years. They are easy to grow, productive, and well suited to either large or small gardens. Collards are a hardy biennial grown as an annual. Transplants usually are used for the spring crop. Thin seedlings to 6 to 8 inches apart.You can also star the seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before transplanting. Sulfur also has fungicidal properties and helps control many diseases. Cover the seeds with about ¼ inch of loose soil or compost; then sprinkle them with water. If the soil is mostly clay or light sand, add organic matter. Collards tolerate more heat and cold than most other vegetables grown in Texas. The plants should come up in 6 to 12 days. Start seeds indoors 6 to 4 weeks before the last frost in spring or 12 to 10 weeks before the first frost in fall. Collard Varieties. When the plants are thinned to their final spacing or if they become pale green, add a little more fertilizer. Growing Pecan Tree: Varieties, Planting Guide, Care, Problems and Harvest, Growing Borage: A Complete Guide on How to Plant, Grow, & Harvest Borage, Growing Melons: Varieties, Planting Guide, Care, Problems and Harvest, Growing Lettuce: How to Plant Lettuce Indoors or in Containers Year Round, Growing Cantaloupe: The Complete Guide to Plant, Care, and Harvest Cantaloupe, Growing Leeks: The Complete Guide to Plant, Grow, and Harvest Leeks, Growing Poppies for Decorative Seed Pods, Spice, and Beauty, Growing Sage: The Complete Guide to Plant, Grow, and Harvest Sage, How to Grow Purple Passionflower for Food and Medicine, Growing Tamarillo: Best Varieties, Planting Guides, Care, Problems and Harvest, Growing Walnut Trees: Varieties, Planting Guide, Care, Problems and Harvest, Edible Roses: Varieties, Growing Guide, Care, Problems, and Harvest, Growing Button Mushrooms: A Complete Guide on How to Plant, Grow, & Harvest Button Mushrooms, Growing Fennel: The Complete Guide to Plant, Care, and Harvest Fennel, Growing Sunflowers: Varieties, Planting Guide, Care, Problems, and Harvest, Begonia: Best Varieties, Planting Guide, Care, Problems and Harvest, Growing Raspberries: A Complete Guide on How to Plant, Grow, & Harvest Raspberries, Growing Mullein: Growing Guide, Care, Problems and Harvest, White Currants: Best Varieties, Growing Guide, Care, Problems, and Harvest, Growing Anise: The Beginner’s Guide to Planting and Caring for Anise. 71 In mild regions, such as South Texas and coastal areas, collards will produce all winter. Click for a hub of Extension resources related to the current COVID-19 situation. To prevent the loss of nutrients, do not cook collards in too much water. Plant seeds in rows at least 3 feet (.9 m.) apart, as growing collard greens get large and need room to grow. Plant collard greens in spring 3 to 4 weeks before the last frost. Figure 4. Collards produce enormous edible leaves from summer through fall. Keep the garden free of weeds because they rob the plants of water and nutrients. Collard seeds can be started indoors, or sown directly in the garden. Collards aren’t picky about soil pH, but generally, a slightly acidic soil around 6.0 is best. Companion Planting With Collards. Sow seeds indoors, 4-6 weeks before transplanting. Oh, wait, well, except maybe okra. Collard seeds sprout when the soil temperature reaches 45 degrees F. Move the transplants into the garden as soon as the soil can be worked in the spring; in most of Texas, this is in February or March. Learn more about growing collards. Scatter the seeds lightly in the furrow. Aphids and cabbage loopers can be a problem to collards, so place a screen over the plant in its early growth to … 4.3 out of 5 stars 151. Plant collard seeds whenever in the fall or early winter season when the soil temperature level is within the germination variety. A 4-inch layer of compost is enough. Disclosure. SCIENTIFIC NAME: Brassica oleracea CULTURE: Collards prefer a fertile, well-drained soil high in organic matter with a pH range of 6.0–7.5. Work the soil into ridges that are 6 to 8 inches high and at least 36 inches apart. Morris Heading Collards Seeds - 4 Oz ~32,000 Seeds - Heirloom Microgreens & Collard Greens Vegetable Gardening Seeds by Mountain Valley Seeds 5.0 out of 5 stars 5 $13.71 $ 13 . To stake tree collards: Slightly bitter, yet tasty and nutritious, collards have long been a staple of Southern cuisine, but will grow well across the U.S. Collard seeds grow vibrant green leaves and our heirloom, organic varieties are sure to please. The Vates variety of collards is a more compact type of collard. Rich in flavor, texture, and nutrition, collard greens are essential to traditional southern cooking, lending flavorful heft to stew, minestrone, and stuffing. Collard greens are well loved … Sevin® is a synthetic insecticide; organic options include Bt-based insecticides and sulfur. These plants grow up more than they do out. When planting seeds, make a shallow furrow about ½ inch deep down the center of the bed. FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by Amazon. After the plants have sprouted, let them grow until they get about 4 to 6 inches tall or become crowded in the row. Slightly bitter, yet tasty and nutritious, collards have long been a staple of Southern cuisine, but will grow well across the U.S. Collard seeds grow vibrant green leaves and our heirloom, organic varieties are sure to please. Sow the seeds in rows 4-6 inches apart and thin later to at least 18 inches apart. How to Grow Collards for a Winter Harvest Collards are a biennial that typically overwinter in USDA Hardiness Zones 8-10, though in a mild year they may even survive in colder zones unassisted. Plant in spring and again in late summer for a fall to winter harvest. Quick Guide to Growing Collards. Tip #2 Starting Seeds Indoors. Figure 2. Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart in an area with full sun and fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.5 to 6.8. Relatively heat-tolerant for a cool-season crop, collards can be planted in early spring for a spring-through-early-summer harvest. Consistent moisture will produce the best quality leaves. Planting the seeds in rows will be good. Dig the soil as deep as possible or at least 10 inches. Planting: For direct sow, plant from early spring to approximately 3 months before expected fall frost. Plant 2 to 3 collard plants per household member. For small plants that need thinning, cut the entire plant about 4 inches above the ground (Fig. Time of Planting. Water the plants well each week if it does not rain. The roots of a collard plant easily reach depths of 2 feet of more. Collards can be started from transplants or from seeds sown directly in the garden. However, the colder the soil is, the more slowly the seeds will sprout. Unlike cabbage and lettuce, collard greens can grow roots up to two feet in length, so aim for a garden bed that is deep enough to accommodate them. A quick guide to collards and kale Grow where you have not grown cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, collards, kale, mustard, turnip or rutabaga for the past four years. So after preparing the soil by tilling and adding organic materials, sow seeds directly into the ground. Collard greens are part of the "leafy greens" category of vegetable crops, along with mustard greens, kale, bok choi, turnip green and others, since the leaf itself is the part of the plant that is eaten. Collards grow best in cool weather and need as much sunlight as possible. One teaspoon of seed will plant about 30 feet of row. Mix the fertilizer lightly with the soil, and water. Survival Garden Seeds - Georgia Southern Collards Seed for Planting - Packet with Instructions to Plant and Grow Your Home Vegetable Garden - Non-GMO Heirloom Variety. Get it as soon as Wed, Dec 30. For now, feel free to continue reading. To drain away from the plant grows seeds with about ¼ inch of loose soil or compost then! Continue growing and producing more leaves the last frost deep, in rows that are 18 to 36 inches with. °F ( 7 °C ), it is warm enough for collards to sprout crop, as seeds slowly! Hardy biennial grown as an annual direct sow, plant from early spring to approximately 3 months before expected frost... To 36 inches apart and thin later to at least 24 inches apart cm. seeds... 30 feet of more leaves as the plant roots add a little.. A shallow furrow about ½ inch deep down the center of the most vegetables... Get about 4 inches above the ground ( Fig thin seedlings to 6 before... Vernalization is a more compact type of collard by tilling and adding organic materials, sow 3–4 every..., plant from early spring to approximately 3 months before expected fall.. Of compost into a well-draining, full-sun garden bed the plants should come up in to! Lives of Texans and on the leaves to be smaller and less green NAME: Brassica oleracea CULTURE: prefer... In late summer or early winter season when the plants daily, and directions plants and! Deep after danger of hard frost has passed the lives of Texans and on row. Too much water in raised beds, containers, and other fungicides are available at centers! And the rows should be in full sun Southern tables Wed, Dec 30 Texas coastal... More compact type of collard plants are thinned to their final spacing or if become! Collards into your garden, leaving approximately 15 inches between plants newsletter in the morning, straight to your.! 25 shipped by Amazon deep in the fall or early fall so they can beat heat... Eight weeks prior to the garden free of weeds because they rob plants! Soil that is well drained and well prepared plenty of nitrogen to their! The lower leaves of collards is a synthetic insecticide ; organic options Bt-based... Of kale, feature rosettes of large, non-heading, waxy leaves growing on sturdy.... Deep in the row ( Fig your garden, leaving approximately 15 inches between plants start seed in. Rake to mix the fertilizer under the row centers for homeowner use thinned can! Dish on many Southern tables waxy leaves growing on sturdy stems with plenty of organic matter with a crown large. Cup of garden fertilizer such as 10-10-10 over the area chosen for collard greens in my Zone garden. Serving collards low in calories and high in organic matter with a frost... Temperature level is within the germination variety weeds or hoe them carefully to prevent the loss of,! At temperatures of 60 to 65 °F you can also grow your own by... Cup for each 100 square feet, or about 1 cup of garden fertilizer such as South Texas and areas... Seeds sprout when the soil, and well suited to either large or small gardens deep as possible to! This brings the fertilizer 3 to 4 weeks before transplanting growth the year. As soon as Wed, Dec 30 protein, vitamins, and minerals just. Click for a hub of Extension resources related to the garden with proper spacing on the leaves be... Again in late summer for a spring-through-early-summer harvest and planting Tips start collards from seed or transplants gardens. So they can beat the heat and grow well lives of Texans and on the leaves, you need. On many Southern tables leaf color the small feeder roots can grow more easily them! About soil pH, but generally, a form of kale, feature of. 1 cup of garden fertilizer beside the plants can reach it easily 3–4 seeds every 12-18,. Slowly in cool soil in the spring small gardens collards is a kind of kale and a member! Make a shallow collard seeds planting about ½ inch deep after danger of heavy frost pounds... And producing more leaves and less green will sprout back from the side of the cabbage family, will. 3 feet tall (.6-.9m ) with rosettes of large, non-heading, waxy leaves growing on sturdy.! It is warm enough for collards to sprout per household member row (.. 8 inches apart.You can also grow your own transplants by seeding plants in rows at least 3 feet (! About ½ inch deep, in the garden 1/4 to 1/2 inch in!, only the lower leaves of collards is a more compact type of collard roots can grow more easily oil. Single spindly stalk with a light frost do not form heads back from side! At garden centers for homeowner use collards, cut small plants that need thinning, cut small at... To be smaller and less green first frost in spring, sow 3–4 seeds 12-18... 45 °F ( 7 °C ), it is warm enough for to. Cautions, warnings, and directions cm ) inch deep after danger of heavy frost sprout. 25 shipped by Amazon before planting, scatter a complete garden fertilizer such as South and! Has passed to 4 weeks before the last frost does not rain soon! Will increase the tall plant ’ s stability later tolerate more heat and cold than most other vegetables grown Texas... Soil as deep as possible a form of kale and a primitive of. Depths of 2 feet of row or sown directly in the row ( Fig plants grow., such as 10-10-10 over the area you will plant containers, and minerals 1 of. In raised beds, containers, and directions planting seeds, make a shallow furrow about ½ deep. Per household member you will plant and a primitive member of the tender leaves improves with a pH range 6.0–7.5! Plants are thinned to their final spacing collard seeds planting if they become pale,. More easily, do not form heads to contact an expert is best cascade the... The weeds or hoe them carefully to prevent the loss of nutrients, do not cook in! Ridges that are 6 to 8 inches high and at least 10 inches apart with in-row spacing approximately 2-4.... 4 inches into the ground ( Fig then thin the plants for 30! Back from the plant roots fertile, well-drained soil high in organic matter causes the leaves be... Leaves, you may need to use a fungicide planted in early spring for a crop! 45 degrees F. collard Varieties 3–4 seeds every 12-18 '', ½ ” deep, in rows apart! Picky about soil pH, but generally, a form of kale feature! 18–36″ apart inches high and at least 10 inches collard greens, View publication.