how deep do you plant collard plants

Collard sowing and planting tips

More items

Full Answer

How far apart do you plant collard greens?

Plant seeds in rows at least 3 feet apart, as growing collard greens get large and need room to grow. Thin seedlings to 18 inches apart for adequate room in the rows.

How do you grow collards from seed?

These plants will grow well in raised beds, containers, and in-ground gardens. Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart in an area with full sun and fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.5 to 6.8. Improve your native soil by mixing in several inches of compost or other rich organic matter. Collards do best with an even supply of water.

What is the best environment to grow collard greens?

The best collard greens growing environment is one with moist, fertile soil. The area chosen for collard greens planting should be in full sun. Plant seeds in rows at least 3 feet (.9 m.) apart, as growing collard greens get large and need room to grow.

How do you take care of a Collard plant?

If you have planted collards in containers, use about 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of fertilizer per plant. Keep an eye on your plants. If their leaves begin to look pale instead of dark green, fertilize again in 4-6 weeks. Water your plants well. Keep your collard greens in moist soil. It should remain slightly damp, but not soaking wet.

How long does it take for collard greens to grow?

What is collard green?

What are the pests that eat collard greens?

Can you plant collard greens in the summer?

Can you grow collard greens in a vegetable garden?

See 2 more

About this website

How long does it take to grow collard greens?

A collard green takes between 60 and 85 days to go from germination until you can harvest it.

How do you clean collard greens?

One of the easiest ways is to use the kitchen sink. Fill the sink with slightly warm water and add 1/2 cup of white vinegar. Place the collard gree...

How do you prepare collard greens?

Cut and remove stems and the center rib of the collard greens. Then, boil water and cook the collard greens for 15 minutes. After draining well, yo...

When Is a Good Time to Plant Collard Greens? - SFGATE

The best fertilizer for collard greens is an application of 1 tablespoon of 10-10-10 granular fertilizer per plant every four to six weeks throughout the growing season will provide needed ...

Here is the BEST Time to Plant Collard Greens in Georgia (2022)

Unfortunately, Mother Nature plays cruel tricks on us every year. It should be noted that the above dates are just averages.. There are years when the last frost comes MUCH later. Sometimes, the last frost happens much earlier and you can get your collard greens planted outside in Georgia much quicker.

When to Harvest Collard Greens – Gardening Tips 2022

Quick-growing collard greens can be grown as an annual vegetable in all the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) plant hardiness zones. Also known as non-heading or tree cabbage, they grow best in warm weather but tolerate cold weather more than any other members of the cabbage family, including kale.

How to remove collard seedlings from a container?

Remove a collard seedling from its container. Hold your hand over the top of the container with your fingers around the stem and turn it upside down to remove the seedling. Do not pull it out by the stem.

When to replant collards?

Replant collard seedlings in January, July and September in areas with a foggy marine climate as opposed to February, April, and July through October in sunny coastal areas. Collard greens are ready for harvest six to eight weeks after transplant.

What is collard green?

Collard is a member of the Brassica family, similar to kale except that its cabbagelike leaves do not form heads, and it's packed with vitamins.

How to keep seedlings clean?

Lay mulch around the seedlings to insulate the soil against cold or heat and to keep the leaves clean.

How to grow cabbage in full sun?

1. Spread composted manure over a garden row or block in full sun to partial shade that has not been used for cole crops -- cabbage, broccoli, kale or Brussels sprouts -- for at least two seasons. Work the manure in to the depth of a shovel blade.

Where are collards grown?

This cooking green is most often associated with Southern U.S. cooking. Collard greens are native to the eastern Mediterranean and Asia Minor, but the plants are easily grown in most U.S. climates. Like kale, collards are non-head forming cabbages.

How many cups of collard greens are in a pound?

There's good reasoning behind the phrase "mess o' greens." One pound of uncooked leaves yields about a 1/2 cup of cooked greens. Some favorite collard green recipes include:

What are collards and kale?

Like kale, collards are non-head forming cabbages. Collards and kale are quite similar genetically, but breeding and cultivating over the years has produced plants with different textures and flavor. Collard leaves are smooth and almost waxy, with pronounced veining. They are quite large, with a bright to dark green color, and the stems are very fibrous and tough. Collards also tend to have a stronger and more bitter flavor than kale. True to the cruciferous family, collard flowers have four yellow petals in the form of a cross. The flowers are edible and have a sweet, cabbage-like flavor.

How long do collard greens last?

Harvest leaves while they are smooth and firm; young, tender leaves will be the least bitter. You can store them in damp paper towels for about three to four days, but the longer they are stored, the more bitter they become. It's better to harvest as needed. Collard greens are very versatile.

What are the nutrients in collard greens?

Cooking greens are some of the most nutritious vegetables you can eat, and collard greens, in particular, are packed with vitamins A, C, and K; soluble fiber; calcium; folate; manganese; and tryptophan —and less than 50 calories per serving.

What is a loose leaf collard?

Collards are often grouped by two growing characteristics: those that are loose-leaf and those that form a loose head. Traditional varieties, such as 'Vates' and 'Georgia', form loose, open plants. Some of the newer hybrids, such as 'Morris Heading', grow quickly and curve in on themselves, forming a loose head and a more compact plant. Loose heading varieties are good choices if you want to harvest the whole plant at once. If you want a steady supply of leaves, opt for a loose-leaf variety.

How long does it take for a flash plant to grow?

Good for smaller gardens, this variety matures in 60 days. 'Flash' is a smallish plant but a very vigorous grower. The leaves are smooth and sweet; the plant matures in 55 days. 'Georgia' is a large plant with tender, waxy leaves. Heat tolerant and slow to bolt, it matures in 75 days.

How much sun do collards need?

Choose a sunny area. Pick one that gets at least 6 hours of full sunlight per day. Collards need lots of light to grow well. If you want to plant in containers, you can move them during the day to make sure that they get plenty of sun.

How long does it take for collard greens to grow?

You can grow them in containers or plant them directly in the ground. In either case, they’ll need loose soil and lots of sun and water. They will be ready to harvest in 40-85 days.

How to get rid of collards in my yard?

Add a layer of compost, if your soil has a high proportion of clay or sand. Collards can tolerate a variety of soil types, but they should all contain plenty of organic matter. If your soil has lots of clay or sand, once it is nice and loose, dump compost on top until there is a layer about 4 inches (10 cm) thick.

How to fertilize a plant in a row?

Fertilize your plants. Spread 1 cup of fertilizer to the side of your plants soil for every 30 feet (9.1 m) you have planted in row, once they are several inches high. Lightly rake the soil to mix the fertilizer in, then water your plants. Choose a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen.

How to harvest collard greens?

Cut the whole plant about 4 inches (10 cm) from the ground. Alternatively, pick single leaves, working from the bottom up so that new ones will grow. Either way is a fine method for harvesting collard greens, but picking off individual leaves means your plants will keep producing throughout the growing season.

Why do my collards have spots on their leaves?

Keeping the plants in well-drained soil will prevent clubroot, which can cause plants to wither or not produce leaves. Spots on the leaves indicate a fungus, which can be treated with neem oil, sulfur, or another fungicide.

How to test soil for drainage?

For a simple test of your soil’s drainage: Remove the bottom and top of a coffee can. Dig a hole that is 4 inches (10 cm) deep in your soil.

Quick Guide to Growing Collards

Plant collard greens in spring 3 to 4 weeks before the last frost. These plants will grow well in raised beds, containers, and in-ground gardens.

Soil, Planting, and Care

For faster results and a better chance at success, start with vigorous young Bonnie Plants® collards instead of with seed. Bonnie has been growing plants for home gardeners for over a century, so you know you can rely on us.

Troubleshooting

Keep a soil pH of 6.5 to 6.8 to discourage clubroot disease. Although worst on cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and turnips, clubroot affects all members of the cabbage family. The best way to avoid problems is to

Harvest and Storage

Harvest leaves when they are up to 10 inches long, dark green, and still young. Old leaves may be tough or stringy. Pick the lower leaves first, working your way up the plant. You can even harvest leaves when frozen in the garden, but be careful because the frozen plant is brittle.

FAQs

Collards taste sweetest when they grow in cool weather, especially in the fall after the leaves have been touched by frost. Spring-planted collards will grow through summer but they taste stronger when they mature in the heat.

History and Cultivation

This cole crop was used for centuries before it made its debut in the US.

Propagation

You can grow this green from seed directly in your garden, or in trays to transplant later.

How to Grow Collards

This plant can provide you with hardy, nutritious leaves all season long if regularly harvested.

Best Varieties of Collards

When purchasing seeds, be sure to look for ones that are well suited for your climate.

Plant Uses

With such amazing benefits, why not add this savory green to all of your favorite recipes?

Frequently Asked Questions

Collard greens are a cabbage-family vegetable most often grown for their large blue-green smooth leaves and subtle cabbage-like flavor. Famous for their use in southern cuisine, collard greens are an underrated superfood equivalent to kale.

Final Thoughts

I honestly think kale gets way too much hype compared to collard greens. The gorgeous smooth leaves are so delicious and among the easiest garden vegetables to grow. Plus, there’s never any harm in adding more diversity to your brassica garden plantings.

How to grow collard greens in a garden?

Add a few inches of compost or well-rotted manure to the bed and mix it in with the soil to fertilize it. You should try to work the soil in as deep as 8 inches so growing roots will come into contact with it. The fresh, nutrient-rich flavor of collard greens is like no other in the garden. A hardy plant, collards can survive under ...

Can you plant collard greens in the fall?

The fresh, nutrient-rich flavor of collard greens is like no other in the garden. A hardy plant, collards can survive under a light frost, so starting a little earlier in the season is possible or you can plant out again in late summer for fall harvests.

Can you plant collards after a frost?

Warnings. Don't allow the soil to dry out during the first month after planting the collard greens, because the roots aren't yet well established. You can't expect un-established plants ...

Can you reheat collard greens?

The fresh, nutrient-rich flavor of collard greens is like no other in the garden. A versatile vegetable, collards can be eaten fresh, steamed, sautéed or blanched and frozen for later reheating.

How deep do collard greens grow?

If you plan to grow them in a raised bed, keep in mind that collard greens have deep roots that grow up to two feet. Aside from that, collard greens grow fairly easily.

How to preserve collard greens?

A better way to preserve your collard greens is to freeze them. After you wash and dry the leaves, remove the fibrous center stem with a sharp knife or kitchen scissors.

What are Collard Greens?

Collard greens are also known as Brassica oleracea var. Acephala. These plants are a part of the cabbage family and are closely related to Brussels sprouts, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, and more.

How long do collard greens last in the fridge?

If you harvest only the outer leaves during the entire growing season, store them in a plastic bag or airtight bag in the crisper drawer of your fridge to keep them fresh for about a week. Only wash your collard greens right before you plan to eat them.

What is the disease that is causing my collard greens to turn yellow?

Clubroot is another disease you hopefully won’t find growing on your collard greens. It results in stunted plant growth and leaves them yellow and wilted during the day.

How long does it take for a tiger collard green to regrow?

Tiger collard greens have hardy, upright leaves that are ready to harvest in 60 days. Their leaves regrow easily, and they are known for their exceptional taste.

How long does it take to harvest collards?

This process usually takes about 40 days but could be as early as 30 days.

How long does it take for collard greens to grow?

While 60 to 75 days is an average harvest time for growing collard greens to reach maturity, the leaves can be picked at any time they are of edible size from the bottom of the large, inedible stalks. Knowing when to plant collard greens leads to the most productive crop.

What is collard green?

Growing collard greens is a southern tradition. The greens are included in the traditional New Year’s meal in many areas of the South and are a great source of vitamins C and Beta Carotene, as well as fiber. Learning how to grow collard greens provides an abundant supply of this dark-green, leafy vegetable at other times of the year.

What are the pests that eat collard greens?

Pests of growing collard greens are similar to those of other members of the cabbage family. Aphids may congregate on new succulent growth and cabbage loopers may eat holes in the leaves. If aphids are spotted, keep an eye on the underside of the leaves of collard greens. Learn how to control pests on collard greens to prevent damage to your crop.

Can you plant collard greens in the summer?

Frost actually improves the flavor of collard greens. Collard greens planting may also be done in early spring for a summer harvest, but adequate moisture is necessary for collards greens growing successfully in summer heat. A member of the cabbage family, collard greens growing in the heat may bolt.

Can you grow collard greens in a vegetable garden?

Whatever your location, get some collard greens growing in the vegetable garden this year. If planted at the right time, growing collard greens will be an easy and worthwhile gardening experience.

Quick Guide to Growing Collards

Soil, Planting, and Care

Troubleshooting

Harvest and Storage