Collard greens are a cool-weather crop that is native to the Eastern Mediterranean region and are now cultivated throughout the world.
PLANTING COLLARD GREENS
Collards are best grown in full sun with well-drained soil and a soil pH range of 6.0 through 6.5.
They can be sown straight into the soil after the last frost or started 8 to 10 weeks before the last frost indoors using a cardboard seed starting tray.
They are best planted 36 to 42 inches apart for rows, 15 to 18 inches apart, and one-half of an inch to one inch deep.
For best results, it is recommended before planting or sowing them to till compost into the soil which is known as amending the soil.
This will provide nutrients to the soil, helps with water retention, and will help to keep the soil loose which will make it easier for the roots to grow.
FERTILIZING AND WATERING
To avoid any possible issues of over-fertilizing your collards, you should test your soil before adding any fertilizers.
Collard greens are best fertilized every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 or a homemade liquid fertilizer can be used.
They prefer soil that is consistently moist but not soaked and they will require about 1 to 2 inches of water per week.
HARVESTING
Collards are best harvested when they are young and about ten inches long.
The whole plant can be removed or some of the leaves of each plant can be harvested for continued harvesting.
Harvesting can be done by removing the large outer leaves with sterilized pair of gardening shears or a gardening knife above the crown of the plant.
PROPAGATING
Collard greens are propagated through seed, therefore some plants should be allowed to go to seed for the following season.
PESTS
Collard greens have many pests that feed on them but using natural methods such as attracting predators and using natural insecticides such as essential oils, diatomaceous earth, or insecticidal soap will keep your pest control organic.
- Cutworms
- Aphids
- Thrips
- Cutworms
- Imported cabbageworm
- Cabbage looper
- Flea Beetles
DISEASES
Collards greens that are planted close together can develop mold and mildew issues during times of high humidity.
If this is the case then preventive measures may need to be taken.
- Downy mildew
- Alternaria leaf spot
- Black rot
VIRUSES
Plant viruses are caused by pests causing damage to a plant, therefore good pest management is a must.
- Cauliflower mosaic virus
VARIETIES
GEORGIA SOUTHERN COLLARD GREENS
- Plant spacing – 12 to 18 inches apart in rows that are 18 to 36 inches apart
- Leaf size – up to 36 inches long
- Days to germinate – 3 to 10 days
- Days to harvest – about 75 days
VATES COLLARD GREENS
- Plant spacing – 12 to 18 inches apart in rows that are 18 to 24 inches apart
- Leaf size – up to 32 inches long
- Days to germinate – 3 to 10 days
- Days to harvest – about 75 days
CHAMPION COLLARD GREENS
- Plant spacing – 12 to 18 inches apart in rows that are 18 to 36 inches apart
- Leaf size – about 36 inches long
- Days to germinate – 5 to 6 days
- Days to harvest – about 75 days