Plant Profiles: Collards (Coles Georgia)

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Plant Description: 
Collards are a loose leafed cultivar of Brassica oleracea. They are grown for their large, dark green leaves which can be eaten and also as an ornamental plant. The leaves grow along an upright stalk and can reach up to two feet in height. They belong to the same cultivar group as broccoli, cauliflower, and kale, to which they are genetically similar. Popular varieties of collards are "Georgia Southern", "Morris Heading" and "Butter Collard".

Collards are most often grown annually from seed but can be a biennial or even perennial plant in some regions. Collard leaves can be harvested year round but they are most flavorful in colder months especially after the first frost. Pick leaves before they reach their maximum size. Collards are high in Vitamin C, K and a good source of soluble fiber.

Georgia Southern are a southern standard for collards. Producing lots of dark blue-green leaves this variety is slow to bolt and non-heading. Tolerates heat, humidity and poor soil conditions. Plant in the fall to harvest before the first frost.

Plant Culture: Light:  Sun / light shade Soil:  tolerates poor soil  Water:  drought tolerant Zones:  all Germinates: 10-21 days Harvest:  75 days
Sow in early spring or midsummer for fall crop. In frost free areas, sow from fall to early spring. Space rows 36" apart. plant seeds evenly and cover with 1/4" of soil. Firm lightly. Thin to 18" apart when seedlings are 1-2" high.
Plant History:
Collards are grown throughout much of the southern United States, Brazil, Portugal, many parts of Africa, even in central Europe and India. They have been a part of our diet for over 2000 years. In the United States, collards are prepared much the same way as kale, spinach, turnip and mustard greens. Often they are cooked with some type of smoked and salted meat like ham hocks, turkey legs or fatback, onions, vinegar and pepper. Collards and black-eyed peas with corn bread is a traditional dish cooked for New Year's Day to ensure good luck in the coming year.
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