Vates Collard Seeds – Heirloom Cold Hardy Greens, Compact Plants, Sweet Flavor (500 Seeds)

Vates Collard is a trusted heirloom variety prized for its sweet, mild flavor and exceptional cold hardiness. Its compact, upright growth habit makes it an excellent choice for small gardens, raised beds, and fall through spring plantings. The tender, blue-green leaves are perfect for steaming, sautéing, or enjoying fresh in salads when young. Whether you're growing a traditional Southern staple or looking for a reliable source of nutritious greens, Vates Collard delivers dependable performance in cool weather.

Plant Features

• Heirloom variety known for its sweet, non-bitter flavor
• Compact, upright plants that save garden space
• Cold hardy and tolerant of frost, ideal for fall and winter harvests
• Produces large, tender blue-green leaves over a long season
• Versatile in the kitchen: great for steaming, sautéing, and fresh eating

Growing Information

• Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea var. viridis
• Plant Type: Biennial grown as annual
• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Rich, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5
• Water Requirements: Moderate; keep soil consistently moist
• Growth Habit: Compact, upright rosette
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 6–10 (often grown as a cool-season annual)
• Bloom Season: Harvest leaves in cool weather; flowering occurs in second year if overwintered
• Mature Height: 18–24 inches
• Spacing: 18–24 inches apart

Planting & Care

Start Vates Collard seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before the last frost, or sow directly in the garden in early spring or late summer for a fall crop. Plant seeds about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep in fertile, well-drained soil. Keep the soil evenly moist during germination, which typically occurs in 7–14 days. Thin seedlings to the recommended spacing to allow for healthy, compact growth.

For best flavor, harvest outer leaves when they reach 8–12 inches long, leaving the center to continue producing. Collards benefit from consistent moisture and a side dressing of compost or balanced fertilizer. In mild climates, plants can overwinter and provide harvests through winter. Protect from extreme heat, which can make leaves tough and bitter.

What's Included

500 Vates Collard seeds.