Vegetable Seeds - Collard Greens , Vates

COLLARDS : This cold-tolerant, non-heading member of the cabbage family is a good choice for fall and spring gardens. But many varieties show good heat tolerance as well, giving you a long season of nutritious harvests. For a spring crop, sow collards about 3 weeks before your last spring frost date; for fall harvest sow seeds about 3 months before your fall frost date. Collard greens taste best cooked and are delicious in soups and stews or braised in broth with some onions, bacon, and a dash of vinegar.
An improved Vates selection!
Large, dark green, cabbage-like leaves retain eating quality for up to 2 weeks or longer! Compact collard plant that has increased bolt resistance and enhanced winter hardiness.

Sowing: For optimal growth, plant vates collards seeds 6-8 weeks before the last spring frost for a spring crop or 6-8 weeks before the first fall frost for a fall crop. To achieve smaller plants, plant multiple seeds every 12" at a depth of 1/4". Once sprouted, thin out all but the strongest plant. For larger plants, space them 2 feet apart. For beneficial companion planting, consider planting collards alongside tomatoes.

Growing: Keep your collard greens happy with regular watering and compost or organic fertilizer throughout the summer months. These greens are tough and can take the heat, so you don't have to worry about them wilting or drying out in the summer sun.

Harvesting: Harvest the outer leaves of your collard greens plant when it reaches a height of 10-12 inches. As it continues to grow, it may require a stake to support its tall, tree-like appearance. A spring crop of collard greens typically ends during summer when the weather becomes hot, while a fall crop can thrive even after a frost, resulting in a sweeter flavor.