Georgia Southern Collard Greens

Georgia Southern Collards are a classic Southern favorite known for their rich flavor and high yields. This heirloom variety boasts large, dark green leaves that are tender yet hearty, making it a perfect addition to any garden. Georgia Southern Collards thrive in both warm and cool seasons, offering versatility and an extended harvest period. The tender leaves are packed with nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber, making them a great addition to any healthy meal. They are also known for their resilience, as they can tolerate a variety of soil types and grow in less-than-ideal conditions, making them an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. Whether braised, sauteed, steamed, or added to soups and stews, Georgia Southern Collards provide a hearty taste that will touch the soul.

Also Known As: Collard Greens, Tree Cabbage, Southerner Cabbage, Wild Cabbage, Green Cabbage, Brassica Oleracea, Collards Kale, Cabbage Collard, Flat Leaf Cabbage, American Cabbage.

Plant Name:	Collards, Georgia Southern
Latin Name:	Brassica oleracea var. viridis
Days to Germinate:	4-10
Days to Harvest:	70
Plant Height:	18 - 36 Inches
Spread:	18 - 24 Inches
Growth Habit:	Vining
USDA Zones:	6-11
Lifespan:	Annual
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2025

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose an area with heavy, well-draining soil that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 8-12 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots.

Plants grow best in soil with lots of organic matter. You may optionally add fertilizer or organic material such as compost, leaves, or rotted hay to mix into the soil at this point. For small gardens, scatter 2-3 tablespoons of fertilizer evenly and work into the top 2-3 inches of soil for each hill or 2 foot by 2 foot planting area. For larger gardens, scatter 2-3 pounds of a complete fertilizer for each 100 square feet of planting area. Work fertilizer or organic material into the soil and leave the surface smooth.

Form rows of soil beds 4-6 inches high and at least 3 feet apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage.

Planting:

Start indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost in spring, or plant Collards in the spring after all danger of frost has passed and the soil begins to warm (>45F). For fall crops, direct sow seeds or transplant seedlings outdoors 6-8 weeks before the first frost. To plant, make holes 1/4 inch deep and spaced 12-18 inches apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant 1-3 seeds per hole, planting 2-3 seeds if choosing to thin to the strongest plant. When thinning, determine the strongest and healthiest plant, then remove all other plants, narrowing to a single plant per hole. Cover seeds thinly with soil and water after planting.

Planting Depth:	1/4 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	12-18 inches
Between-Row Spacing:	3 feet

Care During the Season:

Watering: Water the plants deeply, soaking the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches, once a week. If there is no rainfall, water 2-3 times a week. Sandy soils may need to be watered more often than heavy clay soils.

Weeding: Keeping plants weed-free improves production. If plowing or hoeing, do not dig deeper than 1 inch to prevent from cutting the feeder roots.

Fertilizing: Once seedlings are established, 2-4 weeks after planting, you may optionally apply 2 tablespoons of a complete fertilizer around each hole, or 1-2 pounds per 100 square feet, without letting the fertilizer touch the plants. Water plants after fertilizing.

Insecticides: Insecticides may be used to protect plants. Bt-based insecticides and sulfur are organic options that can be used for prevention. Sulfur also has fungicidal properties and helps in controlling many diseases. Before using a pesticide, read the label and follow cautions, warnings and directions.

Diseases: If spots or mold appear, treat plants with an approved fungicide. Neem oil, sulfur, and other fungicides may be used. When using fungicides always follow label directions.

Harvesting:

Collard Greens are ready to harvest once the lower leaves are 8-10 inches long, 60 to 85 days after planting. To harvest, use sharp scissors or garden shears to cut the outer leaves at the base, leaving the inner leaves to continue growing. If you want to harvest the entire plant, wait until the leaves are mature and the plant has formed a large, thick head. Collard greens can tolerate light frosts, which can help improve their flavor.