Morris Heading Collard Seed

Outdoor Sowing (Directly in the Garden)

• Timing: Sow collard seeds outdoors in early spring, 2–4 weeks before the last frost date, or in late summer for a fall harvest. Collards thrive in cool temperatures and can tolerate light frosts, which enhance their flavor.
• Location: Choose a sunny spot with fertile, well-draining soil. Collards can tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates.
• Soil Preparation: Loosen the soil to a depth of 12 inches and incorporate compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage. Collards prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5.
• Planting Seeds:
  • Sow seeds 1/4–1/2 inch deep and 2–4 inches apart in rows.
  • Space rows 18–24 inches apart for proper airflow and ease of harvesting.
• Thinning: Thin seedlings to 12–18 inches apart once they are about 2 inches tall to give plants room to grow.
• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply and regularly, especially during dry periods.

Indoor Sowing (Starting Seeds Indoors)

• Timing: Start collard seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last expected frost date for an earlier harvest.
• Containers: Use seed trays or small pots with good drainage, filled with a light, well-draining seed-starting mix.
• Planting:
  • Sow seeds 1/4–1/2 inch deep, placing 1–2 seeds per cell or pot.
  • Cover lightly with soil and water gently.
• Germination:
  • Maintain a temperature of 65–75°F for optimal germination.
  • Expect seedlings to emerge within 5–10 days.
• Transplanting: Transplant seedlings outdoors when soil temperatures are consistently above 50°F and plants have 4–5 true leaves. Space plants 12–18 inches apart in rows.

General Care Tips for Collard Greens

• Sunlight: Provide full sun for best growth. Collards can tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer climates.
• Watering: Water consistently to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Fertilizing: Collards are heavy feeders. Enrich the soil with compost before planting and side-dress with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer every 3–4 weeks to encourage leafy growth.
• Weeding: Keep the area weed-free to reduce competition for nutrients and moisture. Be careful not to disturb collards' shallow roots when weeding.
• Pest and Disease Control: Monitor for pests like cabbage worms and aphids. Use row covers to protect young plants, and hand-pick pests or use organic insecticides as needed.
• Harvesting: Harvest leaves as needed when they reach the desired size, starting with the lower leaves. For a full harvest, cut the entire plant at the base.