Collard Greens Seeds - Champion - Brassica oleracea

2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

USDA Zones 2-11 - Collard Greens are grown as a cool-season annual across all zones. Planting times are scheduled to ensure the main growth and harvest period occurs during mild to cool weather.

Best Performance - Thrives when daytime temperatures are between 60-75 degrees F. The flavor of the leaves is significantly improved by a light frost, making it a premier fall crop.

Northern Zones (2-6) - For a fall harvest (recommended), direct sow seeds in mid-to-late summer, about 8-10 weeks before the first expected fall frost. A spring crop is also possible; start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date and transplant outdoors after the danger of a hard freeze has passed.

Hot Climate Zones (7-11) - The ideal crop for fall, winter, and early spring gardening. Plant seeds in the late summer or early fall for a continuous harvest throughout the mild winter and into spring. Spring plantings should be done early so the crop can be harvested before the intense heat of summer, which can cause bitterness.

Soil Temperature - Seeds germinate well in cool soil, with an optimal range of 55-75 degrees F.

Growing Season - Collards are ready for their first harvest of young leaves in about 60 days, with the plant reaching full maturity in approximately 75-80 days. They provide a long harvest period.

Learn more about USDA Hardiness Zones here

When to Plant:
Collards are a cool-weather crop.

For a fall crop (best flavor): Direct sow seeds into the garden 8-10 weeks before your first average fall frost date.

For a spring crop: Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before your last spring frost, or direct sow outdoors 2-4 weeks before your last frost, as soon as the soil can be worked.

Where to Plant:
Choose a location with full sun (6+ hours per day). In hotter zones, some afternoon shade is beneficial. Collards thrive in fertile, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.

How to Plant:

Direct Sow: Sow seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep, spacing them 2-3 inches apart in rows that are 24-36 inches apart. Water the area well.

Indoor Start: Sow seeds in trays and transplant the seedlings to the garden when they are 4-6 inches tall and have been hardened off.

Thinning (Crucial Step): To allow plants to grow to their full size, you must thin the seedlings. When they are about 6 inches tall, thin them to their final spacing of 18-24 inches apart. The thinnings can be cooked and eaten.

Care & Maintenance:

Watering: Provide consistent and even moisture, about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week. Consistent water is key to developing tender, sweet leaves.

Fertilizing: Collards are heavy feeders, particularly of nitrogen. Amend your soil generously with compost before planting. Side-dress the plants with more compost or a balanced organic fertilizer about 4-6 weeks after planting to fuel their leafy growth.

Pests: Keep an eye out for cabbage loopers and other brassica pests. Row covers can be used to protect young plants.

Harvesting: Begin harvesting when the leaves are large enough to eat (about 8-10 inches long). Harvest from the bottom of the plant up, taking the oldest, outer leaves first. This "cut-and-come-again" method allows the plant to continue producing new leaves from the top for a very long harvest season. The flavor will be sweetest after the plants have been exposed to a light frost.