{"product_id":"vates-collard-seeds-500-heirloom-collard-greens-cold-hardy-non-heading-cabbage","title":"Vates Collard Seeds – 500 Heirloom Collard Greens – Cold Hardy Non-Heading Cabbage","description":"\u003cp\u003eVates Collard is a dependable heirloom variety prized by gardeners for its compact, non-heading growth habit and excellent cold hardiness. This classic Southern green produces broad, blue-green leaves that are tender and flavorful, making it a favorite for fresh salads, sautéing, and traditional slow-cooked dishes. Unlike heading cabbage, Vates collards form an open rosette of leaves that can be harvested continuously, providing a long season of fresh greens from the garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhether you grow them in a raised bed, container, or traditional vegetable plot, Vates collards are easy to cultivate and perform well in both spring and fall plantings. Their tolerance to frost means they can be harvested well into the cooler months, often becoming sweeter after a light frost. This variety is a reliable choice for home gardeners seeking a productive, cold-hardy green for the kitchen.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePlant Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeirloom, non-heading collard variety with broad, blue-green leaves\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCold hardy and frost tolerant, ideal for extended fall and winter harvests\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompact growth habit suitable for small gardens and containers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLeaves are tender and mild-flavored, excellent for cooking or fresh use\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOpen-pollinated and suitable for saving seed\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 var. viridis\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Biennial grown as annual\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 of 6.0–7.5\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate; keep soil consistently moist\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Habit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Upright, non-heading rosette\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUSDA Hardiness Zones:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6–10\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBloom Season:\u003c\/strong\u003e Not typically grown for blooms\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMature Height:\u003c\/strong\u003e 24–36 inches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpacing:\u003c\/strong\u003e 18–24 inches apart\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePlanting \u0026amp; Care\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eStart Vates collard seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before the last frost, or direct sow in the garden once the soil can be worked. Plant seeds about 1\/4 to 1\/2 inch deep in a prepared bed. For a fall crop, sow seeds in mid to late summer. Keep the soil evenly moist during germination, which typically occurs within 7–14 days. Thin seedlings to the recommended spacing to allow good air circulation.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCollards benefit from consistent watering and a layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Side-dress with compost or a balanced fertilizer if growth appears slow. Harvest outer leaves first, leaving the central growing point intact for continued production. Monitor for common cabbage pests such as aphids and caterpillars, and treat as needed with appropriate organic methods.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhat's Included\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e500 Vates Collard seeds.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Blake's Flora \u0026 Soil","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67739760001334,"sku":"EDNA-289","price":12.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0994\/4884\/8694\/files\/il_fullxfull.7766430029_qmca.jpg?v=1792115276","url":"https:\/\/blakesflora.com\/products\/vates-collard-seeds-500-heirloom-collard-greens-cold-hardy-non-heading-cabbage","provider":"Blake's Flora \u0026 Soil","version":"1.0","type":"link"}