Last Updated on October 8, 2022 by Real Men Sow
Collards can be grown in cool, dry conditions. It can be grown from early spring through mid- to late fall. Plant collard seeds in your garden three to four weeks before the last frost. Collards thrive in sandy soil that is well-drained, but they can adapt to many conditions. They thrive in well-drained loamy soil. Collards should be grown in full sunlight.
Collard Greens Planting Details
- Sowing depth: 1/2 inch (12mm)
- After thinning, the space between plants is 15-18 inches (30-45cm).
- Days for sprouting: 4-10
- For mature plants, harvesting takes between 70-80 days; for small plants, it takes around 40 days to reach edible size after transplanting.
- Storage period: 2-4 weeks
- Seeds per 100 rows: 1/2 ounce (14g)
- Yield per 100 rows: 50 Pounds (20 kg).
- Varieties: Champion (Georgia), Hicrop
Growing Collard Greens
Seedlings should be 4-5 inches (10-13 cm) high by the time they reach maturity. This is between 2-4 weeks and 8-10 weeks before the first fall frost. To “harden off”, seedlings should be moved to an outdoor area for one week before being transplanted. Place the plants 18 cm (45 cm) apart in rows 18-24″. (45-60 cm) Collared plants should be grown in well-drained, compost-rich soil in full sunlight. Regularly water collard greens to keep the soil moist.
Transplanting
Transplants should be started 6-8 weeks before they are put in the garden. They may be placed in the garden between 4 and 2 weeks after the last frost. Transplants can be started for a fall crop 95 days before the first frost.
Maturity
The maturity of Collards is 70-80 days after sowing. However, you can harvest the leaves as soon as they are edible, which takes about 40 days. You can extend the harvest by picking small amounts of leaves from the stalk’s bottom and working your way up. Collard greens taste best when they are used as soon as possible after harvest.
Harvesting Collard Greens
Collards can be harvested 60-90 days after direct seeding, depending on the variety. When the individual leaves reach 12 inches (30 cm), you should cut them. When picking the leaves, don’t disturb the central buds. Take the leaves from the bottom and pick them up as soon as they become tough. In most areas, you can harvest through winter. The leaves taste better when frost is present. Collards can be kept in the refrigerator for approximately one week.
