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10+ Year Survival Seed Viability

• Category: Vegetable
• Type: Collard Greens
• Variety: Vates
• Family: Brassica
• Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea var. viridis
• Hardiness Zones: 3,4,5,6,7,8,9
• Growing Difficulty:  3        
• Soil PH:  6.0 to 7.5
• Fertilizer Requirements:  15-0-0
• Soil Type: Rich, Moist, Well-Draining
• Germination (days): 5 to 12
• Soil Temp for Germination: 70-75°F
• Lighting Conditions: FULL SUN
• Days to Maturity:  70 – 75
• Planting Depth:  1/4”
• Distance Apart (in row):  12"
• Row Spacing: 18-36"
• Treated: Seed may be treated

Sowing Instructions

DIRECT SOW FROM EARLY SPRING TO 3 MONTHS BEFORE FIRST FALL FROST

Starting Indoors

4-6 WEEKS BEFORE LAST FROST

Growing Tips

Soil temperatures should be around 75°F for Vates to successfully germinate, however they prefer cooling growing temperatures (55-60°F). Keep the soil consistently moist to produce the best leaves.

Culinary Uses

Great complement to any southern entrée.

Medicinal Uses

Aside from using Collards in many southern style dishes, these cruciferous vegetables contain many health benefits. They are known to help with Bone health, Anti-Cancer properties, Diabetes and Liver Function, Digestion, Skin and Hair, as well as Sleep and Mood boosting benefits.

Harvesting Crops

You may start harvesting your Collards about 2 months after planting. Harvest by clipping off the individual leaves. Being a very hardy plant, the quality and flavor will increase into the late fall and after the first couple of light frosts.

Protecting your crop with cold frames or hoop houses can greatly extend your growing season.

Harvesting Seed

Because Collards are biennials, they will not flower until their second season. It is recommended to grow a small selection of plants to save specifically for harvesting the seeds next season.

Allow the plant to flower and harvest the seed pods after flowers have dried. Dry in a protected environment for a few weeks and store saved seeds properly for next season.

What is Treated Seed?

Treated seeds are specially coated to increase germination viability and prevent damage from fungus or insects. Depending on availability, we may substitute treated or non-treated seed for this variety. The resulting produce grown from treated seed is no different than untreated, but care must be taken when handling treated seeds. Do not allow pets or livestock to eat treated seed, also avoid having children handle seed that has been treated.