Collards are a cool-season crop; it thrives in temperatures between 65°F and 75°F (18-24°C) and can withstand frost down to 25°F (-4°C). If summers are warm in your region, start collards in late winter or early spring for a late spring or early summer harvest. Where summers are cool, plant in mid- to late spring…
Collards
How to Harvest and Store Collards
Collard leaves are ready for harvest as soon as they reach usable size. They will be most tasty when picked young–less than 10 inches long and dark green. Older leaves will be tough and stringy. Collard greens are ready for harvest 75 to 85 days from transplants, 85 to 95 days from seed. When to…
Collards Growing Quick Tips
Sowing: Sow collard seeds in early spring for an early summer crop or in midsummer for a fall crop. In mild-winter regions, sow collards from fall to late winter. Sow seed outdoors 2-4 weeks before the last frost. Start seed indoors 10-8 weeks before transplanting seedlings to the garden. Sow seeds indoors in a warm,…
How to Grow Collards
Collards are a cool-weather crop. Start seed indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost in spring. Sow seed outdoors when the soil can be worked in spring. Place transplants in the garden when they are 3 to 4 inches tall (7-10cm) as early as 3 to 4 weeks before the last frost in…
Five Ways to Cook and Serve Collards
Fresh chopped or shredded collards can add a little spice to salads. As well, collards can be steamed, boiled, sauteed, and added to soups and stews. Collards are a good match for smoked pork. Combine collards with mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, or beans and puree. Collards have a very strong cabbagey flavor and are considered…
