As another great way to get your greens in, collards are a fantastic source of vitamins and minerals. While many think that collards can only grow in the South, this plant can grow in most regions quite successfully. As an added bonus for those growing collards in more Northern climates, gentle frosts will improve the flavor as the cold temperatures help to turn starches into sugars. "Top Bunch 2.0" boasts early maturity and rapid regrowth for an endless harvest throughout your growing season. And for those growing in more Southern regions, this variety has great resistance to bolting. Variety Info Days to Maturity: 70 days Family: Brassicaceae Native: Europe Hardiness: Frost-tolerant biennial, grown as annual. Can tolerate freezes (down to 20°F) and summer heat better than other greens. Exposure: Full sun to part shade Plant Dimensions: 24"-36" tall, 18" wide Variety Info: Large, cabbage-like, blue-green, slightly crumpled leaves. Collards are a non-head-forming cabbage. Attributes: Frost Tolerant Sowing Info When to Sow Outside: 2 to 4 weeks before your average last frost date, when soil temperature is at least 55°, ideally 75°-85°F, or 14 to 16 weeks before your average first fall frost date. In mild climates, sow in fall for cool-season harvest. When to Start Inside: 4 to 6 weeks before your average last frost date. Days to Emerge: 10-15 days Seed Depth: 1/2" Seed Spacing: A group of 3 seeds every 18"-24" Row Spacing: 24" Thinning: When 3" tall, thin to 1 every 18"-24" Growing Info Harvesting: Lower, outer leaves can be harvested as needed, and new leaves will continue to grow. The entire plant can be harvested by cutting at ground level, although it will not regrow. Special Care: Thin seedlings by pinching off plant at soil surface rather than pulling to eliminate damage to other seedlings' roots. Rotate crop so you don't grow any member of the mustard family (Brassicaceae) in the same place more than once every 3 years. Cover with row covers at sowing or transplanting to protect from pests. Protect seedlings from frost in spring if temperatures drop below 30°F. Mulch soil surface to keep roots cool during hot weather.
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