Non-Hybrid Collard Seed

Seeds or Seedlings 4 to 7 days, 40F to 85F 4 years Well Drained Full Sun 1" apart 12" to 18" apart 55 to 60

Growing Guide
GROWING NOTES
Prefers full sun in spring, but can benefit from light shade during hot weather.

Prefers well-drained, fertile soil high in organic matter, pH 6.0 to 7.5. Can tolerate slightly alkaline soil. Prefers plentiful, consistent moisture. Can tolerate drought, but quality and flavor of leaves suffer.

Biennial grown as an annual.

Some varieties have blue-green cast.

As plants mature and lower leaves are harvested, plants begin to look less like a clump and start to resemble small palm trees with a cluster of leaves at the top of a long stem.

MAINTAINING
Direct seed about three months before expected fall frost. Plant seeds ¼ to ½ inch deep, 1 inch apart in rows 18 to 30 inches apart. Thin to 12- to 18-inch spacings. Eat or transplant thinnings.

For spring crops, start plants inside about 8 weeks before the last frost, and transplant when they are about 6 weeks old. Set transplants 12 inches apart, rows 18 to 24 inches apart.

Plant direct-seeded crops 1/2 inch deep and 3 inches apart 3 weeks before last frost. Thin to 12 to 18 inches apart.

Mulch overwintering plants.

Collards don't seem to be as troubled by pests as most other cole crops. Use floating row covers to help protect from early insect infestations.

To help reduce disease, do not plant collards or other cole crops in the same location more than once every three or four years.