Heirloom Collards Planting Guide: From Seed to Harvest

Collard greens, specifically heirloom or open-pollinated varieties, are a staple in traditional Southern cuisine and are gaining popularity among gardeners for their rich flavor and nutritional value. Part of the cabbage family (Brassica oleracea), these leafy greens are renowned for their cold-hardiness and resilience, making them a rewarding crop for both beginner and experienced gardeners alike.

This heirloom collards planting guide provides all the essentials for how to grow heirloom collards effectively, from seeding to harvest, and offers insight into ensuring the healthiest growth for your collard plants.

Quick Start Heirloom Collards Planting Guide – Complete Planting Guide Below

Heirloom / Open Pollinated Collards are a cold hardy member of the cabbage family. Collards can be started from seed in early Spring when the soil temperature has reached 55-75°F, about 6-8 weeks before last frost, or for a Fall crop, plant mid-June to mid-July. Plant Collard seeds in full sun, ½” deep, a few seeds together (or more thickly if you want to use thinned young plants for an early crop), every 18-24″, in rows 18-24″ apart. Collards seeds should germinate in 5-17 days. When Collard plants reach 3″, thin to the strongest plant in each group 18-24″ apart. Start picking individual Collard leaves about 2 mos. after planting.

Harvest Collards as needed, or pick and store in the refrigerator for a few days max. Collards usually survive into winter, down to 10°F, for a continued harvest. Collards tend to taste best after some frost exposure in fall!

The Complete Planting Guide for Heirloom Collards: From Seed to Harvest

Why Choose Heirloom Collards?

Heirloom collards differ from hybrid varieties in that they have been open pollinated for generations, preserving unique traits, flavors, and genetic diversity. Many heirloom collards have excellent frost resistance, producing leaves with enhanced sweetness and tenderness after exposure to colder temperatures. These varieties are ideal for gardeners looking to support biodiversity, and they often yield harvests well into late fall or early winter, adding variety to seasonal gardening efforts.

Heirloom Collards Varieties to Consider

Several heirloom collard varieties offer unique flavors, colors, and leaf textures, making them ideal choices for any heirloom vegetable garden:

• Georgia: Very winter hardy and used primarily in the south. Vigorous, 2 to 3′ tall with crumbled leaves.
• Vates: Non heading and is also bolt and frost resistant. Vates has dark green crumpled leaves on vigorous spreading, upright 24″ to 32″ plants. Leaves are large and cabbage like.
• Champion: Champion collards are renowned for their broad, dark green leaves. They have a long harvesting period and maintain flavor well into winter.

Ideal Conditions for Planting Heirloom Collards

For optimal growth, planting heirloom collards requires attention to soil temperature, sunlight, and spacing. Heirloom collards are resilient to cold and thrive in cooler weather, though they can be cultivated for spring or fall crops.

• Soil Temperature: Aim to sow collard seeds when the soil temperature has warmed to between 55°F and 75°F. This range ensures ideal germination conditions.
• Sunlight Requirements: Heirloom collards need full sun to flourish, though they can tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer climates.
• Soil Quality: Collards prefer a well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Preparing your soil with compost or organic matter before planting will encourage robust growth.

How to Plant Heirloom Collards

1. When to Start Seeds: For a spring harvest, start collard seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. If you are planning a fall crop, sow seeds outdoors from mid-June to mid-July.
2. Sowing Depth and Spacing: Plant collard seeds ½ inch deep, sowing them in clusters (about three seeds per spot) to increase the chance of germination. Space each cluster 18 to 24 inches apart with rows 18 to 24 inches apart as well. This spacing allows for proper air circulation, reducing the risk of fungal diseases and promoting strong growth.
3. Thinning Seedlings: Once seedlings reach around 3 inches in height, thin them by removing all but the strongest seedling in each group. Proper thinning ensures that each plant has ample space to develop a healthy root system and large, productive leaves.

Caring for Heirloom Collards as They Grow

Once your seeds are planted, follow these care steps to ensure your heirloom collards thrive:

• Watering: Collards require consistent moisture, especially during the hotter parts of the season. Water deeply once a week, aiming to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. In drought-prone areas, consider adding mulch around the base of each plant to retain moisture.
• Fertilizing: Collards are heavy feeders, meaning they benefit from nutrient-rich soil. After the plants are well-established, side-dress with compost or a balanced, slow-release fertilizer every 4-6 weeks. This will support steady growth and help produce tender, flavorful leaves.
• Weeding: Regular weeding is essential, especially during the early growth stages. Weeds compete with collards for nutrients and water, potentially stunting their growth. Be cautious when removing weeds near collard plants to avoid disturbing their roots.

How to Harvest Heirloom Collards

One of the benefits of growing heirloom collards is the flexibility of their harvest. You can begin picking leaves as needed about two months after planting, or allow them to grow to maturity before harvest.

1. Harvesting Individual Leaves: For a continuous harvest, pick individual leaves from the outer part of the plant as soon as they are big enough to eat. Harvesting in this way allows the plant to continue producing new leaves and extend the harvest period.
2. Full Plant Harvesting: If you prefer to harvest the entire plant at once, wait until the plant reaches maturity—typically 70-85 days after seeding.
3. Frost Sweetening: Collard greens are one of the few vegetables that improve in flavor after frost exposure. Frost naturally increases the sugar content in the leaves, enhancing their sweetness and flavor. For gardeners in regions with mild winter frosts, leaving collards in the ground until after the first few frosts can yield a sweeter, more flavorful harvest.
4. Storage: Collard greens can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days. For longer storage, collards can be blanched and frozen, preserving their flavor and nutritional value.

Here’s a chapter on saving seeds for heirloom collards. This section can be added to the planting guide to provide gardeners with a comprehensive understanding of how to harvest, dry, and store collard seeds for future planting.

Tips for Growing Heirloom Collards in Cold Weather

Since heirloom collards can survive temperatures as low as 10°F, they are an excellent option for fall and early winter harvests in most climates. In regions with mild winters, you can even overwinter collard plants with minimal protection, providing a source of fresh greens throughout the colder months.

To overwinter heirloom collards:

• Mulch: Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of the plant to protect the roots from freezing temperatures.
• Row Covers: Use lightweight row covers or low tunnels to shield plants from frost and extreme wind. These covers allow sunlight to reach the plants while offering additional cold protection.

Benefits of Growing Heirloom Collards

In addition to their unique flavors and resilient nature, heirloom collards offer several health benefits, including high levels of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and dietary fiber. Including them in your garden adds nutritional diversity to your diet, as well as a crop that is less likely to succumb to pests and diseases due to the natural resilience bred into heirloom varieties over generations.

Troubleshooting Common Issues in Heirloom Collard Growing

If you encounter challenges while growing collards, here are some tips to address common issues:

• Yellowing Leaves: Yellow leaves can indicate nutrient deficiency, usually nitrogen. Side-dress with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer to support leafy growth.
• Poor Growth: If your collards seem stunted, check the soil pH and nutrient levels. Adding compost or a balanced fertilizer can often boost growth.
• Bolting: Collards exposed to prolonged warm weather may bolt, producing flowers and seed rather than edible leaves. Planting in cooler seasons and choosing bolt resistant varieties can help prevent this.

Here’s a chapter on saving seeds for heirloom collards. This section can be added to the planting guide to provide gardeners with a comprehensive understanding of how to harvest, dry, and store collard seeds for future planting.

Here’s a section on storing and preserving heirloom collards, covering both short-term storage and preservation methods for extending their shelf life:

Here’s a section on managing pests and diseases in heirloom collards. This guide covers common threats to collard plants and offers strategies to prevent and treat issues organically and effectively:

Managing Pests and Diseases in Heirloom Collards

While heirloom collards are hardy plants, they can still fall prey to certain pests and diseases that are common to brassicas. Proactive care, regular inspections, and prompt action can help keep your collard plants healthy and productive throughout the growing season. Below is a guide to identifying and managing the most common pests and diseases that affect collards, with tips for organic control methods.

Common Pests Affecting Collard Greens

1. Aphids

• Identification: Aphids are tiny, soft-bodied insects that appear in clusters on the undersides of leaves, often causing leaves to curl or yellow.
• Prevention: Regularly inspect plants and keep weeds under control, as they can harbor aphids.
• Management: If aphids appear, spray plants with a strong jet of water to dislodge them or apply insecticidal soap. Ladybugs are natural aphid predators and can also help control their population.

1. Cabbage Worms

• Identification: These green caterpillars are the larvae of white cabbage butterflies. They chew holes in leaves and can cause significant damage if left unchecked.
• Prevention: Use floating row covers to protect young plants and inspect leaves regularly, especially in spring and summer when cabbage butterflies are most active.
• Management: Hand-pick cabbage worms off the plants or use an organic insecticide like Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), which targets caterpillars without harming beneficial insects.

1. Flea Beetles

• Identification: Flea beetles are small, black beetles that chew tiny holes in leaves, giving them a “shotgun” appearance.
• Prevention: Apply a layer of mulch around plants to deter flea beetles and use floating row covers as a barrier, especially in spring.
• Management: If flea beetles become a problem, dust plants with diatomaceous earth or use neem oil as an organic repellent.

1. Harlequin Bugs

• Identification: These shield-shaped, colorful bugs feed on collard leaves, causing small white or yellow spots that can lead to leaf wilting.
• Prevention: Plant resistant crops around your collards and keep your garden clean by removing any plant debris that might attract these pests.
• Management: Hand-pick the bugs or use insecticidal soap to control them. Crop rotation can also help prevent harlequin bug infestations from year to year.

1. Cutworms

• Identification: Cutworms are night-feeding caterpillars that can chew through collard stems near the soil, often killing young plants.
• Prevention: Wrap plant stems with small collars made from cardboard or plastic to create a barrier. Keep the garden free from debris where cutworms might hide.
• Management: Hand-pick any cutworms you find in the soil around the plants, or use beneficial nematodes, which naturally target and control cutworms in the soil.

Common Diseases Affecting Collard Greens

1. Downy Mildew

• Identification: This fungal disease causes yellow or white patches on the upper leaf surfaces and a downy, grayish growth on the undersides. It thrives in cool, moist conditions.
• Prevention: Water plants at the base to keep leaves dry and ensure proper spacing to allow good air circulation.
• Management: Remove infected leaves immediately, and avoid working in the garden when plants are wet, as this can spread spores. Using a fungicide like copper can help if applied early.

1. Black Rot

• Identification: Black rot causes V-shaped, yellow lesions that start at the leaf edge and spread inward. In advanced cases, the veins of the leaves turn black.
• Prevention: Rotate crops each year and avoid overhead watering. Ensure seeds or transplants come from a reputable source to prevent introducing this disease.
• Management: Remove infected plants and avoid composting them, as the bacteria can survive in the soil. Proper crop rotation and sanitation are essential for managing black rot.

1. Powdery Mildew

• Identification: Powdery mildew appears as a white, powdery coating on leaves, often during warm, dry periods.
• Prevention: Ensure adequate spacing between plants and maintain good air circulation by pruning overcrowded leaves.
• Management: Remove affected leaves and apply a fungicidal spray made from baking soda or neem oil. Powdery mildew is less common in collards than other brassicas but can still appear under the right conditions.

1. Clubroot

• Identification: Clubroot causes swelling or distortion of the roots, leading to stunted growth and yellowing leaves. It’s a soilborne disease and can persist for years in contaminated soil.
• Prevention: Maintain a soil pH of 7.0 or higher, as clubroot thrives in acidic soil. Rotate crops and avoid planting brassicas in the same spot more than once every 3-4 years.
• Management: If clubroot is detected, avoid planting collards and other brassicas in the affected area for several years. Raising the soil pH by adding lime can help reduce clubroot infections.

1. Alternaria Leaf Spot

• Identification: Alternaria leaf spot appears as dark, circular spots on the leaves, often surrounded by yellow halos. It spreads quickly in wet, humid weather.
• Prevention: Use disease-free seeds and rotate crops to avoid buildup of the fungus in the soil. Water at the base of the plant to keep foliage dry.
• Management: Remove infected leaves and use a fungicide if the infection persists. Avoid overhead watering and thin plants to promote airflow.

Integrated Pest and Disease Management (IPM)

Integrated Pest and Disease Management (IPM) practices are especially effective for heirloom collards. Here are some IPM practices to implement in your garden:

• Companion Planting: Plant herbs like dill, basil, and marigold near collards to deter pests naturally. Marigolds, in particular, repel cabbage worms and other common pests.
• Crop Rotation: Rotate your collard plants with non-brassica crops each year to reduce soilborne diseases and pest buildup.
• Encourage Beneficial Insects: Ladybugs, lacewings, and predatory beetles help control aphids and other pests naturally. Attract beneficial insects by planting flowers like cosmos and sunflowers around your garden.
• Clean Garden Practices: Clear out any plant debris after harvesting collards to prevent overwintering pests and diseases. Regularly sanitize garden tools to avoid spreading pathogens.
• Healthy Soil: Maintain nutrient-rich, well-drained soil to strengthen your collard plants, making them more resistant to pests and diseases.

By implementing these preventative and management techniques, you can keep pest and disease problems at a minimum, ensuring a healthy and productive crop of heirloom collards throughout the growing season. Consistent monitoring and prompt action are key to managing these common issues organically and sustainably.

Storing and Preserving Heirloom Collards

After harvesting heirloom collards, proper storage and preservation techniques can keep your greens fresh and flavorful for an extended period. Whether you plan to enjoy them fresh, freeze for later use, or experiment with canning, there are multiple ways to store and preserve collards effectively.

Short-Term Storage

Freshly harvested collard greens can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days. Follow these steps for the best results:

1. Preparation: Rinse the collard leaves thoroughly in cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat them dry or use a salad spinner to remove excess moisture.
2. Refrigeration: Place the collard leaves in a plastic bag or airtight container with a few paper towels to absorb moisture. Store the bag or container in the vegetable crisper drawer of your refrigerator, where the greens should stay fresh for up to a week.
3. Avoiding Wilt: To revive slightly wilted collards, place the stems in a glass of water for an hour or two to help rehydrate the leaves.

Freezing Collard Greens

Freezing is an excellent way to preserve collards for several months while maintaining their nutrients, color, and flavor. Follow these steps to freeze collards effectively:

1. Blanching: Blanching is a quick process that helps preserve the color and texture of collard greens. Begin by bringing a pot of water to a boil. Meanwhile, prepare a bowl of ice water. Place the collard leaves in the boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then immediately transfer them to the ice water to halt the cooking process.
2. Drying: After blanching, drain the collards and pat them dry with paper towels or a clean cloth to remove any excess moisture.
3. Packaging: Divide the collards into portions that suit your cooking needs, then place them in freezer-safe bags or airtight containers. Remove as much air as possible from the bags before sealing.
4. Freezing: Label the bags with the date and store them in the freezer. Properly frozen collards can be kept for up to a year and make an easy addition to soups, stews, and stir-fries.

Canning Collard Greens

Canning collard greens is another effective preservation method, though it requires a pressure canner to ensure safe storage. Canned collards can be stored at room temperature for up to a year. Here’s how to can collards safely:

1. Preparation: Wash the collard greens thoroughly and remove any stems. Cut the leaves into smaller pieces, if desired, for easy packing.
2. Blanching and Packing: Blanch the collards in boiling water for 3-5 minutes, then pack the hot greens into clean canning jars, leaving an inch of headspace at the top.
3. Adding Liquid: Pour boiling water over the collards in the jar, again leaving about an inch of headspace. You may add a teaspoon of salt to each jar for flavor, though this is optional.
4. Processing: Place the jars in a pressure canner and process according to the manufacturer’s instructions (typically 70 minutes for pint jars or 90 minutes for quart jars at the correct pressure). This step is critical for eliminating bacteria and preserving the greens safely.
5. Storage: Allow the jars to cool, then store them in a cool, dark place. Properly canned collard greens can be stored for up to a year.

Pickling Collard Greens

Pickling collard greens adds a unique tangy flavor, ideal for side dishes or salads. This preservation method gives the collards a longer shelf life, though the flavor and texture will change due to the pickling process.

1. Preparing the Brine: Create a pickling brine with equal parts vinegar and water, adding salt, sugar, and spices to taste (try garlic, mustard seeds, or red pepper flakes for extra flavor).
2. Packing the Jars: Wash and chop the collard greens, then pack them into sterilized jars.
3. Adding Brine: Pour the hot brine over the collards, ensuring the leaves are fully submerged. Leave a small amount of headspace at the top of each jar.
4. Processing: Seal the jars and process in a boiling water bath for 10-15 minutes to create a vacuum seal.
5. Storage: Store the jars in a cool, dark place. Pickled collards are typically ready to eat after a week of brining and can be stored for up to a year.

Dehydrating Collard Greens

Dehydrating collards is a less common but effective way to preserve them for long-term storage. Dehydrated collards can be rehydrated in soups and stews or crumbled into powder for use as a nutritious seasoning.

1. Preparation: Wash the collard leaves thoroughly, then remove the stems and cut the leaves into smaller pieces.
2. Dehydrating: Place the collards on dehydrator trays in a single layer. Set the dehydrator to 125°F and dry for 8-12 hours, or until the leaves are crisp and brittle.
3. Storage: Store the dried collard leaves in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Dehydrated collards will keep for up to a year.

Using Preserved Collards

Preserved collards are versatile in the kitchen. Here are some ideas for using your stored and preserved collards:

• Frozen Collards: Add frozen collards to soups, stews, and casseroles. They can also be sautéed with garlic and onions for a quick side dish.
• Canned Collards: Canned collards are perfect for hearty meals like gumbo, as the leaves are already soft and flavorful.
• Pickled Collards: Enjoy pickled collards as a tangy side dish, or add them to sandwiches and wraps for extra flavor.
• Dehydrated Collards: Rehydrate dried collards in hot water, or crumble them as a seasoning in various dishes for an added nutrient boost.

By following these storage and preservation techniques, you can enjoy the rich flavor and nutrition of heirloom collards throughout the year, regardless of the season. Each method provides a unique flavor and texture, giving you the flexibility to incorporate collards into a wide range of dishes.

Saving Seeds from Heirloom Collards

Saving seeds from heirloom collards is a rewarding and economical practice that ensures a continuous supply of hardy, frost-resistant greens year after year. Collard seeds are relatively easy to collect, but there are a few key steps to follow to ensure you harvest viable seeds that maintain the unique traits of your heirloom varieties.

Why Save Seeds from Heirloom Collards?

Heirloom collards are open-pollinated, meaning they grow true to type, which preserves their characteristics when properly isolated from other brassica varieties. By saving seeds from your healthiest plants, you promote desirable traits like resilience, flavor, and frost tolerance, which can improve each successive crop. Additionally, saving seeds from your own garden creates a seed stock that is naturally adapted to your local climate and soil conditions.

Steps to Saving Collard Seeds

Saving seeds from collards is straightforward but requires patience, as collards are biennial plants. This means they only produce seeds in their second growing season. Here’s how to prepare your collard plants for seed-saving:

1. Select Your Seed Plants: Choose several of your healthiest collard plants to save seeds from, looking for traits like strong growth, disease resistance, and high productivity. Avoid using plants that bolted (flowered) prematurely, as this can indicate stress sensitivity.
2. Overwinter the Plants: In areas with mild winters, you can overwinter collards directly in the garden. Mulch around the base to protect roots from extreme cold, and use row covers if needed. In harsher climates, dig up the plants, pot them, and store them in a protected, cool location like a greenhouse or garage. Replant them outdoors in early spring.
3. Encourage Flowering and Seed Formation: In the second growing season, collards will send up a tall flower stalk, producing small, yellow flowers that attract pollinators. Allow these flowers to bloom and fade naturally. After the flowers die back, seed pods will begin to form along the stalk. Each pod will contain several seeds.
4. Harvest the Seed Pods: Once the seed pods turn brown and dry (usually a few weeks after flowering), it’s time to harvest them. Cut the stalks from the plant and place them in a paper bag to continue drying in a cool, dry place. Avoid plastic bags, as these can trap moisture and lead to mold.
5. Extract the Seeds: After the pods are fully dry, gently crush them to release the seeds. Remove any pod fragments or debris, ensuring only clean seeds remain. Collard seeds are small and round, so sifting them through a fine screen can help separate seeds from any remaining chaff.
6. Dry the Seeds Further: Spread the seeds out on a paper towel or tray and allow them to air-dry for an additional week. This step ensures the seeds are completely dry, which is essential for long-term storage.

Storing Collard Seeds

Once your seeds are dry, store them in a cool, dark, and dry place to maintain viability. Here are some tips for effective storage:

• Use Airtight Containers: Store seeds in airtight glass jars or moisture-proof containers to protect them from humidity, which can shorten their viability.
• Label Clearly: Always label your containers with the seed variety and the date of collection. This helps you track the age of your seeds, as collard seeds are best used within 3-5 years.
• Temperature Control: Store seeds in a stable environment, ideally between 32°F and 41°F. A refrigerator works well, but avoid storing seeds in the freezer, as the cold can damage their delicate internal structures.

Testing Seed Viability

Before planting saved seeds, especially if they’ve been stored for a few years, you may want to test their viability. To do this, place a few seeds on a damp paper towel, fold it, and place it in a plastic bag. Check after 5-10 days; if most seeds sprout, your batch is still viable.

Benefits of Seed Saving with Heirloom Collards

Saving seeds from heirloom collards promotes biodiversity and self-sufficiency in the garden. By continually saving seeds from your strongest plants, you create a stock that adapts to your soil, climate, and local growing conditions. Not only does this help you produce better, hardier collards over time, but it also connects you to the traditional gardening practices that have preserved heirloom varieties for generations.

Troubleshooting Seed Saving

Here are a few common issues and tips for effective seed saving with collards:

• Cross-Pollination: Collards can cross-pollinate with other brassica crops like cabbage and broccoli. To avoid this, isolate collard plants by at least 1,000 feet from other brassicas or consider planting only collards in your garden when saving seeds.
• Premature Bolting: If your plants bolt in the first season, it may indicate stress from high temperatures or inconsistent watering. To reduce bolting, make sure plants have adequate water and mulch, especially in warm climates.
• Low Seed Viability: If seeds fail to germinate, ensure you’re storing them in a cool, dry location and that they’re fully dried before storing. Seeds saved under improper conditions may lose viability quickly.

By following these guidelines, you can successfully harvest, dry, and store collard seeds, creating a cycle of growth that sustains your garden with robust, flavorful greens year after year. Seed-saving brings sustainability, self-reliance, and the joy of cultivating heirloom varieties tailored to your garden’s unique ecosystem.

Conclusion

By following this Heirloom Collards Planting Guide, you’ll be well equipped to enjoy the rewards of planting heirloom collards in your garden. These hardy, nutritious greens are both versatile and resilient, providing a harvest that extends well into the colder months. With careful attention to timing, spacing, and pest management, your heirloom collards will thrive, adding flavor and nutrition to your meals all season long.

FAQ: Heirloom Collards Planting Guide