{"product_id":"collard-vates-seeds-1g-cold-hardy-heirloom-greens-brassica-oleracea","title":"Collard Vates Seeds 1g - Cold-Hardy Heirloom Greens, Brassica oleracea","description":"\u003cp\u003eVates 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThese 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePlant Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeirloom collard variety known for cold tolerance and frost resistance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProduces broad, blue-green leaves with a mild, sweet flavor\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompact, upright growth habit suited to beds and containers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHarvest outer leaves repeatedly for extended picking\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNutritious leafy green rich in vitamins and minerals\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Brassica oleracea\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Biennial grown as an annual leafy green\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSunlight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun to partial shade\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rich, well-drained soil with a pH near neutral\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate; keep soil evenly moist\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Habit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Compact, upright rosette\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUSDA Hardiness Zones:\u003c\/strong\u003e Grown as an annual in most zones\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpacing:\u003c\/strong\u003e About 18 to 24 inches between plants\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePlanting \u0026amp; Care\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSow 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWater 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhat's Included\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis listing includes 1 gram of Vates Collard seeds (Brassica oleracea).\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Blake's Flora \u0026 Soil","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67824819011894,"sku":"FOLIA2-1339","price":15.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0994\/4884\/8694\/files\/il_fullxfull.6508841873_65g6.jpg?v=1793004813","url":"https:\/\/blakesflora.com\/products\/collard-vates-seeds-1g-cold-hardy-heirloom-greens-brassica-oleracea","provider":"Blake's Flora \u0026 Soil","version":"1.0","type":"link"}