The Vates Collards are a large plant in the brassica family, popular in the South although easily grown anywhere. Generally they are used cooked and flavor seems to improve after a frost. Vitamin content is excellent. Leaves are an attractive blue-green. Requires several square feet of space when fully mature. 100 seeds PLANTING Brassica oleracea Germination: 7-10 days Germination Temperature: Optimum soil temperatures 65-85ºF. Seed Sowing Depth: 1/2" deep Starting Indoors: 4-6 weeks before transplanting. passes. Sow 2-3 seeds per cell/pot. Thin to the strongest seedling. Fertilize the seedlings every 7-10 days with a liquid or water soluble fertilizer, diluted to ¼ of suggested measurement. Transplant after danger of hard frost passes,18-24" apart. Sowing Outdoors: Starting in spring when soil temperature reaches 60 ºF. Sow a few seeds every 18-24", thin to the strongest seedling. Sow in early to mid summer for fall crops. How much does a packet plant: 20-25 foot single row Harvest: When leaves reach 6-12", clip leaves when needed, summer through fall Tips: The Vates Collards should be planted in fertile soil, and amended with compost before planting if needed. Adequate moisture is needed for optimum growth. Collards can handle a little cold with the flavor improving after frost.
