Collard Vates Seeds 1g - Cold-Hardy Heirloom Greens, Brassica oleracea

Vates Collard is a time-tested heirloom variety of Brassica oleracea prized for its cold hardiness and dependable production of tender, nutritious greens. Plants form compact, upright rosettes of broad, blue-green leaves with a mild, sweet cabbage-like flavor that is excellent steamed, sauteed, or used in traditional Southern cooking. Vates is a favorite for fall and winter gardens because it tolerates frost and cool weather better than many other collard varieties.

These versatile greens grow well in garden beds, raised beds, and large containers, making them a practical choice for both backyard gardeners and small-space growers. Harvest outer leaves as needed or cut the whole head for a steady supply of fresh greens through the season.

Plant Features

• Heirloom collard variety known for cold tolerance and frost resistance
• Produces broad, blue-green leaves with a mild, sweet flavor
• Compact, upright growth habit suited to beds and containers
• Harvest outer leaves repeatedly for extended picking
• Nutritious leafy green rich in vitamins and minerals

Growing Information

• Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea
• Plant Type: Biennial grown as an annual leafy green
• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Rich, well-drained soil with a pH near neutral
• Water Requirements: Moderate; keep soil evenly moist
• Growth Habit: Compact, upright rosette
• USDA Hardiness Zones: Grown as an annual in most zones
• Spacing: About 18 to 24 inches between plants

Planting & Care

Sow Vates collard seeds about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep, starting indoors several weeks before the last frost or direct sowing in the garden once soil can be worked. For fall and winter harvests, sow in late summer so plants establish before cool weather arrives. Keep the seedbed consistently moist until germination, then thin seedlings to the recommended spacing.

Water regularly to maintain even soil moisture, and mulch around plants to conserve water and suppress weeds. Feed with a balanced fertilizer if growth appears slow. Harvest outer leaves from the bottom up, leaving the center to continue growing, and protect plants with row cover during hard freezes for extended winter picking.

What's Included

This listing includes 1 gram of Vates Collard seeds (Brassica oleracea).