Collard greens

Plant family

Crucifers (Brassicaceae)

Season Overview

Details

Light requirement

Sunny

Water requirement

Wet

Soil

Medium (loamy)

Nutrient requirement

High

Seeding distance

50 cm

Row spacing

50 cm

Seeding depth

2 cm

Instructions

Description

Collard greens is an umbrella term for some subspecies of the plant species vegetable cabbage (Brassica oleracea), which is grown as a vegetable but also as an ornamental because of its large, dark leaves. It strongly resembles kale, to which it is closely related. There are several varieties of collard greens, which are mainly cultivated in Brazil, Portugal, USA, Africa, Southeastern Europe and in India.

Growing tips

Can theoretically be grown all year round. Cultivation similar to kale. The leaves taste best harvested after the first frost. Withstands frost well, except for very cold heavy frosts, can also withstand drought well at times. Propagation by division of shoots. Regular harvesting stimulates growth. If planting in May, cover the plantlets with a protective cultural net to protect them from pests. Incorporating algal lime before planting protects against cabbage hernia. A sprinkling of primary rock flour from aphids. When harvesting, leave the heart of the plant intact, then the leaves will grow back.