Collard Seeds (Heirloom)

Heirloom collards belong to the cabbage family and are distinguished by their enormous, fan-shaped green leaves and stout stems. Heirloom collard leaves have a waxy texture with prominent veining. Unlike other cabbage family members, they develop as a loose bouquet rather than a tight "head." This cool-weather vegetable has a wonderful but mild cabbage-like flavor and is a traditional side dish for southern cooking in the United States.

• Packed with vitamins and minerals
• Winter hardy leafy greens
• Thrives in bright, sunny areas
• Excellent kitchen staple

Heirloom collards are a low-calorie choice that are high in vitamin C, fiber, and vitamin K. They are often considered to be a healthy food. Eden Brothers' Heirloom Georgia Southern Collard Seeds and Heirloom Morris Heading Collard Seeds are two popular cultivars of heirloom collard seeds. These plants are similar to kale in that they form headless cabbages, and they make a great winter culinary staple.

Heirloom collards are a cool-season vegetable that are commonly planted in late summer to early autumn in the south for winter harvest. Heirloom collard greens are very cold resilient (cultivation may continue through snow) and frost actually increases the flavor! Heirloom collards can be planted in the middle to late summer in northern climates for a plentiful supply of this dark green leafy vegetable in the fall or winter.

Before transplanting to your garden, start your heirloom collard seeds indoors or in a separate location outside. Heirloom collards like moist, healthy soil and temperatures between 65 and 75°F. Seeds should be sown 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep. Within five to ten days, the seed will germinate. Apply three to four inches of compost to your outdoor garden to prepare for transplanting.

Transplant the seedlings to your outside garden when the daytime temperatures are around 50°F and the plants are four to six inches tall with two to four leaves. Plant transplants 18 to 20 inches apart in rows 24 to 42 inches apart, a little deeper in the soil than when the seeds were sown. Every week, 1 to 1 1/2 inches of water is required for heirloom collards. You can start harvesting when your leaves are about 10 inches long and dark green in color. Working your way up the heirloom collard plant, start harvesting the lower leaves first.

Mugwort, thyme, rosemary, oregano, catnip, chamomile, garlic, and onions are all good companion plants for heirloom collards.

For more information about planting, growing, and caring for heirloom collard seed, see the Collard Seeds Planting Guide.