With their Southern reputation, collards have been overlooked as a nutritious and versatile vegetable in other areas of the country. But this is changing as chefs are discovering that the large leaves not only make delicious steamed greens, they also make fantastic wraps (a low-calorie substitute for tortillas), and when young, great salad material. Collards will withstand light fall frosts, making them taste even sweeter. Excellent container variety; easy to grow. Frost tolerant. Slow to bolt.
~ planting ~
When to sow outside: 2 to 4 weeks before average last frost, or in late summer, 10 to 12 weeks before average first frost. Late summer sowings produce the best collard flavor which occurs after light fall frosts.When to start inside: 6 weeks before average last frost.
~ harvesting ~
Lower, outer leaves can be harvested as needed, as soon as there is enough for a meal. The entire plant can be harvested when young, at 6" - 8", or when mature, at 24" - 36" by cutting at ground level.
