Purple Ultracross Collards (Brassica oleracea var. viridis) Purple Ultracross collards, selected by the Appalachian Seed Growers Collective, are a regionally adapted, open-pollinated strain developed for resilience, flavor, and visual appeal. These collards feature deep green leaves with striking purple hues, especially in cool weather, and offer a rich, tender eating quality that improves with frost. Bred in the Appalachian region, they are well-suited to diverse conditions and low-input growing systems. Key Characteristics Cold-enhanced color and flavor. Leaves develop beautiful purple pigmentation as temperatures drop, paired with a noticeably sweeter, more complex flavor after frost. This makes them especially valuable for fall and winter harvests. Regionally adapted Appalachian genetics. Selected under real farm conditions, this strain shows strong adaptability to variable weather, soil types, and lower-input systems. It performs reliably in both home gardens and diversified farms. Tender leaves with excellent cooking quality. Compared to tougher collard types, Purple Ultracross produces more tender leaves that cook down კარგად while retaining body and flavor, making them ideal for traditional dishes and fresh greens. Open-pollinated for seed saving and resilience. As an open-pollinated variety, it allows growers to save seed and continue selecting for desirable traits, contributing to long-term regional adaptation and seed sovereignty. Product Details Native Range: Cultivated variety (Appalachian regional selection, USA)Plant Life Cycle: Biennial grown as an annualSun Requirements: Full sun to partial shadeSoil Requirements: Medium, medium-wet (fertile, well-drained)Mature Height: 24–36 inchesBloom Time: Second year if overwinteredBloom Color: YellowUSDA Hardiness Zones: Grown as an annual in zones 2–11 Purple Ultracross collards are a standout for growers seeking flavor, beauty, and regional resilience. Plant for fall harvest, allow exposure to frost for best quality, and maintain fertile soil for continuous leaf production.
