Vates is a highly regarded collard variety, known for its non-heading, upright plants with dark- green, glossy leaves. Its crumpled texture and lack of purpling make it a visually appealing addition to any garden. With excellent frost and bolt resistance, Vates is a durable and versatile choice for gardeners. The large cabbage-like leaves are perfect for steaming, stir-frying, or adding to hearty dishes, making this a reliable and flavorful variety for any growing season.
Collard Greens Growing Guide
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.
