Collard Seeds - Georgia Southern

A Southern Favorite for Nutritious, Hearty Greens
Georgia Southern Collards are a classic southern variety known for their large, dark green leaves and mild, slightly sweet flavor. This variety thrives in warm weather and is incredibly tolerant of heat and frost, making it a great choice for gardeners in regions with long growing seasons or colder climates. Known for their high nutritional value, these collards are a rich source of vitamins and minerals and are perfect for cooking, steaming, or sautéing.

Key Benefits

• Large, Tender Leaves: Produces robust, dark green leaves that are perfect for hearty cooking and adding to a variety of dishes.
• Heat and Frost Tolerant: Ideal for warm weather but also capable of withstanding light frost, making it a year-round option for diverse climates.
• High Nutritional Value: Collards are a superfood rich in vitamin C, calcium, fiber, and iron, offering a nutritious boost to any meal.
• Early Maturing: Georgia Southern Collards are fast-growing and can be harvested earlier than many other varieties, providing quick yields for your garden.

Planting Instructions

Planting Season

• Spring or Fall: Plant in early spring for a summer harvest or in late summer for a fall harvest. Collard greens grow best when temperatures are between 55°F and 75°F.

Planting Details

• Depth: Sow seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep in well-drained soil.
• Spacing: Space seeds 18-24 inches apart to allow plenty of room for the plants to grow and spread their large leaves.
• Light: Prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade in hotter climates. More sunlight encourages healthier and larger leaves.
• Soil: Grows best in fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. Incorporate compost or organic material to improve soil fertility and structure.

Watering and Care

• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Collards have deep roots, so ensure regular watering especially during dry periods.
• Fertilizing: Apply balanced fertilizer or compost every 4-6 weeks to ensure healthy growth. Collards are heavy feeders and benefit from nutrient-rich soil.
• Thinning: Thin seedlings to about 18-24 inches apart to allow adequate room for growth. You can harvest outer leaves as they mature, which encourages new growth from the center.
• Weeding: Regularly remove weeds around the plants to reduce competition for nutrients and water. Mulching can help retain moisture and reduce weed growth.

Harvesting

• When to Harvest: Begin harvesting outer leaves when they reach 6-8 inches long. Georgia Southern Collards can be harvested at different stages of maturity, with younger leaves being more tender and larger, mature leaves having a heartier flavor.
• How to Harvest: Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the outer leaves at the base, leaving the inner leaves to continue growing.
• Storage: Freshly harvested collards can be refrigerated for up to 1 week. You can also freeze collard greens by blanching them briefly in hot water and then freezing for longer storage.

Perfect For

• Cooking: Georgia Southern Collards are great for soups, stews, and stir-fries, adding flavor, texture, and nutrition to your dishes.
• Sautéing or Steaming: These greens are excellent when sautéed with garlic or steamed with a bit of salt and pepper for a tender, flavorful side dish.
• Winter Crops: Due to their cold tolerance, they can provide greens throughout the winter months, perfect for cold-season gardening.

Coverage

• Packet: Typically covers 15-20 square feet, depending on planting density.

Grow Nutritious, Hearty Greens with Georgia Southern Collards

Georgia Southern Collards are an excellent choice for gardeners who want a robust, easy-to-grow green that thrives in warm temperatures and tolerates cool weather. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a healthy harvest in the summer or fall, these collards are a nutritious and versatile addition to your garden.

Order your Georgia Southern Collard Seeds now and start growing your own homegrown, nutrient-packed greens!