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Collards (Brassica oleracea var. acephala)

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Sowing:

Seed Depth:
Germination Soil Temp:
Days to Germinate   
Date to sow Indoors:
Date to sow Outdoors:




1/4 inch
75 - 85 Degrees
5
4 - 6 weeks before frost
10 - 12 weeks before frost for fall crop
Growing:

pH Range:
Growing Temp:
Spacing:
Watering:
Light:
Nutrient Req's:
Rotation:
Seed Longevity:


6.0 - 6.5
60 - 65 Degrees
12 - 18 inches
Moderate
Full Sun
High N, P and K
Avoid the cabbage family
4 years

Description

Soil


Fertilizer


Planting


Cultivation Care

Companions

Varieties

Harvest




Health Benefits
Collards are cool-season, winter hardy plants.  The leaves are blue/green. They are cabbage-like plants that do not head.

Soil should be well-drained and high in organic matter. Composted manure or a cover crop should be turned over and incorporated into soil before planting.

Broadcast a complete fertilizer, such as 10-10-10 or 13-13-13, at a rate of 1 1/2 pounds per 100 square foot before planting apply  composted manures or compost teas. If plants begin to lose their green color, sidedress with nitrogen.

Cultivate soil and direct sow from July to September, or plant transplants in August. If seeding, space rows 30 inches apart and thin seeds to 12 to 16 inches.

Plants need adequate water, especially during the hot weather. Water weekly if there is no rain. Keep rows weed free.

Carrots, coriander, fennel, dill and sage.

Blue Max, Champion Long, Georgia, HiCrop, Top Bunch and Vates.

Collard leaves can be harvested when small and would need thinning when 4 inches tall. Some plants may re-sprout after others have harvested. Harvest lower leaves first. Collards taste sweeter after a light frost. There are 65 to 75 days until harvest. It is important to not over cook the collards; they will emit a sulfur smell. Let cooked greens sit for 5 minutes to benefit from the health promoting qualities.

Collards are extremely nutritious. They contain high amounts of folic acid, manganese, calcium, fiber and
vitamins K, A and C.

> Back to the Vegetable Page

Source: UT Extension, PB1578 - Tennessee Master Gardener Handbook
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Programs in agriculture and natural resources, 4-H youth development, family and consumer sciences, and resource development. University of Tennessee Institute
of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture and county governments cooperating. UT Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment
Photo used under Creative Commons from Steven Jackson Photography