"Brassica oleracea, Acephala Group: A cold-weather hardy member of the cabbage family grown for winter greens in cool weather. Well known in the South, it also thrives in many parts of the country.

CULTURE: Collards like fairly rich, neutral pH soil just like all other brassica crops. Direct sow the seed in the spring when the soil temperature has reached 55-75°F. Planting can continue until mid-July. Below the seed, band 1 cup of our complete fertilizer per 10 row feet. Plant the seed 1 inch apart, 1/2-3/4 inch deep, in rows 24-36 inches apart. Cover the seed with fine soil, sifted compost, or vermiculite to ensure good germination. Keep uniformly moist. Seeds will emerge in 5-17 days. After the seedlings are about 3 inches tall, thin to the strongest plants at 12-16 inches apart. After plants are well established, mix in around the base of each plant 1 1/2-2 cups of our complete fertilizer to provide optimum nutrition. Indoor sowing is not recommended.
DISEASE: Generally trouble free. If you experience problems, refer to the Cabbage culture box.
INSECTS/PESTS: Not as susceptible to pests as other cole crops. If you have problems, see Brassica Insect Information.
HARVEST: Start picking individual leaves about 2 months after planting. Harvest leaves as you need them, or pick and refrigerate for no more than a few days. Collards usually survive down to 10°F allowing winter harvests. In the spring the flowers make delicious ""broccoli"". Twelve plants will more than satisfy the average family.
SEED SPECS: Minimum germination standard: 80%. Days to maturity are calculated from date of direct seeding. Usual seed life: 3 years. Approximately 300 seeds per gram; 28 grams per ounce.

Sampler: 1 gram
Packet: 4 grams"

   Open Pollinated