Collards

Photo of flowering Kale & Cabbage

COLLARDS AND KALE  
Brassica oleracea (acephala)
BRASS-ih-kah o-le-RAH-seeah ah-CEH-fa-la   
        
Biennial, grown as an annual – Sun / Part Shade

Ht. 12"-24"
Spacing 10"-14"; rows should be about 36" on center.                                     

PLANTING:  For spring, 4-6 weeks before the last average frost.
                   For fall, 6-8 weeks before the first average frost.

HABIT:  Cool weather leafy vegetables.

CULTURE:   Collard greens need cool weather, loose, well drained, healthy soil. Normal water and fertility requirements. Collard greens that mature in cool weather will have the best flavor. If color is desired from the kale, don’t over fertilize.

PROBLEMS:   Cutworms, aphids, harlequin bugs, downy mildew, flea hoppers, loopers, and boron deficiency.

HARVEST:     Harvest young leaves as needed for cooking. Flavor is better after a frost. Can be stored up to 3 weeks at 32-40°.

NOTES:   Kale is one of the best winter color plants. Both, especially the collards, do well from seed because they develop a deeper root system.

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