Young collards plants

Best Collard Greens Varieties for Flavor, Heat Tolerance, and Yield

ByStephen Albert

Sharing is caring!

Collard greens are a nutritious, resilient leafy green that thrive in many climates. Choosing the right variety can give you sweeter leaves, extended harvests, and plants that withstand both heat and cold. Whether you’re looking for bold flavor, tender texture, or maximum productivity, here are the top varieties to grow.

Young collards plants
Young collards plants

1. Champion

  • Flavor: Mild, slightly sweet
  • Heat Tolerance: High—holds up well in summer heat
  • Yield: Heavy producer with large, dark green leaves
  • Notes: Great for gardeners in the South and for summer planting in mild climates.

2. Vates

  • Flavor: Sweet and tender, especially after frost
  • Heat Tolerance: Moderate—best in cooler seasons
  • Yield: Compact, prolific plants
  • Notes: Cold-hardy, ideal for fall and winter harvests; doesn’t bolt easily in spring.

3. Georgia Southern

  • Flavor: Mild, smooth, less bitter
  • Heat Tolerance: Very high—perfect for hot climates
  • Yield: Reliable, with large, crinkled leaves
  • Notes: An old Southern favorite that keeps producing through summer heat.

4. Top Bunch

  • Flavor: Mild and tender, good for fresh use
  • Heat Tolerance: Moderate—good for spring and fall planting
  • Yield: Quick maturing, high productivity
  • Notes: Excellent choice for cut-and-come-again harvests.

5. Morris Heading (Cabbage Collards)

  • Flavor: Sweeter than most collards, with a cabbage-like taste
  • Heat Tolerance: Moderate
  • Yield: Medium—focus is on quality over quantity
  • Notes: Unique variety with a tighter, heading growth habit.

Tips for Choosing Collards

  • In hot climates, prioritize Champion or Georgia Southern for summer planting.
  • For sweetest flavor, plant in late summer for a fall harvest and let frost touch the leaves.
  • Mix early- and late-maturing varieties for continuous harvests.

Best Collard Varieties for Flavor, Heat Tolerance, and Yield:

Variety NameFlavor ProfileHeat ToleranceYield PotentialDays to MaturityNotes
Georgia SouthernMild, traditional collard flavorHighHigh75–80Classic heirloom; very adaptable.
VatesSweet, tender leavesModerateHigh65–75Compact growth; great for smaller gardens.
Morris HeadingRich, slightly sweet, cabbage-like tasteModerateModerate75–80Heads up like cabbage; slow to bolt.
ChampionMild, smooth leavesHighHigh60–75Excellent for extended harvest; good bolt resistance.
Top Bunch 2.0Sweet, tender textureHighHigh50–60Early maturity; ideal for hot climates.
Tiger HybridRich flavor, slightly pepperyModerateVery High60–65Hybrid with vigorous growth and high yield.
VarietyFlavor ProfileHeat ToleranceYield PotentialNotes
Georgia SouthernMild, slightly sweetExcellentHighClassic heirloom; thrives in both spring and fall.
ChampionMild, tender leavesGoodHighFast-growing, bolt-resistant; great for continuous harvest.
VatesMild and tenderExcellentModerate-HighCompact growth, ideal for smaller gardens; cold hardy too.
Morris HeadingMild, cabbage-like flavorFairHighProduces a loose head; better for cooler seasons.
Top Bunch 2.0Sweet, tenderVery GoodHighEarly maturity, uniform growth; great for commercial and home gardens.
TigerRich, earthy tasteExcellentHighStays tender in hot weather; slow to bolt.
FlashMild, slightly nuttyVery GoodVery HighHeat and cold tolerant; strong regrowth after harvest.

Stephen Albert is a horticulturist, master gardener, and certified nurseryman who has taught at the University of California for more than 25 years. He holds graduate degrees from the University of California and the University of Iowa. His books include Vegetable Garden Grower’s Guide, Vegetable Garden Almanac & Planner, Tomato Grower’s Answer Book, and Kitchen Garden Grower’s Guide. His Vegetable Garden Grower’s Masterclass is available online. Harvesttotable.com has more than 10 million visitors each year.

Similar Posts