Description Collard is a non-heading type of cabbage. These leafy 90 cm (3′) high plants produce wide, blue-green leaves that are quite tender and have a delicious, mild cabbage-like flavour. It is best to sow this variety in late May. In warm, long summer areas, a late crop can also be sown. The ‘Vates’ variety was developed in the 1950’s. How to Grow Sow seed directly outdoors in a sunny site 6-10 mm (1/4-1/2″) deep and 2.5 cm (1″) apart about 3 weeks before your last frost date. Space in rows about 60 cm (24″) apart. Thin sprouts to 30 cm (12″) apart in the garden. To get a jump on the season seed can be started 6-8 weeks early indoors then harden off and transplant out seedlings about 2 weeks before your typical last frost date. Start harvesting the outside leaves when plants are about 30 cm (12″) high.
