Vates Collards (75 days)

The Vates Collards are a large plant in the brassica family, popular in the South although easily grown anywhere. Generally they are used cooked and flavor seems to improve after a frost. Vitamin content is excellent. Leaves are an attractive blue-green. Requires several square feet of space when fully mature.

100 seeds

PLANTING

Brassica oleracea 

Germination: 7-10 days

Germination Temperature: Optimum soil temperatures 65-85ºF. 

Seed Sowing Depth: 1/2" deep

Starting Indoors: 4-6 weeks before transplanting. passes. Sow 2-3 seeds per cell/pot. Thin to the strongest seedling. Fertilize the seedlings every 7-10 days with a liquid or water soluble fertilizer, diluted to ¼ of suggested measurement. Transplant after danger of hard frost passes,18-24" apart. 

Sowing Outdoors: Starting in spring when soil temperature reaches 60 ºF. Sow a few seeds every 18-24", thin to the strongest seedling. Sow in early to mid summer for fall crops.

How much does a packet plant: 20-25 foot single row

Harvest:  When leaves reach 6-12", clip leaves when needed, summer through fall

Tips: The Vates Collards should be planted  in fertile soil, and amended with compost before planting if needed.  Adequate moisture is needed for optimum growth. Collards can handle a little cold with the flavor improving after frost.