If one is looking for a cold loving plant that will produce all winter then collard greens are one of your best bets!  From the Brassica family they look a lot like cabbage leaves.  They have long dark green or sometimes green blue leaves and strong stems.  Plants can grow from They are rich in minerals especially Vitamin K and are a staple of many southern menus.  Especially in the cold season as they taste a bit less bitter when harvested in cooler weather.  

History of Collard Greens

Collard Greens originated in the Mediterranean region going back thousands of years to Greece and Rome.  They ultimately made their way to America and into Southern recipes as a consistent easy plant to grow, ensuring food in inclement weather.  According to ShunCy Love the Greens, Collards are

• • “Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
  • Supports bone health
  • May lower the risk of heart disease
  • Promotes digestive health
  • May aid in weight loss
  • Supports immune function
  • Anti-inflammatory properties”

How to Grow Collard Greens

• • Direct Sow Collard seeds in Fall three to four weeks before the first frost date in your area.
  • To grow indoors, start seeds three to four weeks before the Last Frost date. 
  • Sow ¼ to ½ inch deep regardless of planting indoors or outdoors. 
  • Collards love sun, so when planting them out plant in full sun.  However, If one is growing in the super hot southern states plan for afternoon shade to keep the leaves from burning.  
  • Collards like well draining never soggy soil.  I had the best luck with deep watering twice a week.  Once the soil about an inch down gets dry it's time to water again. 
  • Greens do not need a lot of fertilizer as long as the soil is well composted and filled with good organic matter.  I add fresh Compost from Black Kow once a year to my Collard Green beds. 
  • The primary pest these beautiful plants face is cabbage worms although if in a humid area slugs can also be an issue.

Harvesting Collard Greens

Collards can be harvested when the leaves reach 6 inches long.  Some tend to think they are the best at a cap of 8 inches however I've harvested up to 10 .   If harvesting the entire patch, clip the stem from the bottom and take all the leaves on the stem.  Those living in zones 5 or above leave the roots in the ground and they should return!  When harvesting just a small amount and leaving leaves on the plant one should harvest from the bottom. This allows the top to continue growing and producing new leaves. 

 

Companion Plants for Collard Greens

• • Marigolds
  • Chives
  • Garlic
  • Onions
  • Dill
  • Mint
  • Borage
  • Thyme
  • Chamomile
  • Sage

Coming Soon

• • Cooking with Collard Greens

Shout out!

• I'm a Vego Garden Ambassador!  All of the beautiful raised beds you see here are Vego Garden beds.  Visit Vegogarden.com  and explore all the sizes colors and styles of garden beds.  The choices are amazing and the quality is best in class! And, I do get a small percentage for anything purchased and I thank you so much for that.
• This lovely blouse is by     Rock Flower Paper  Eco friendly and beautiful from clothes to home goods. Use oma15 for a discount!