Vates Collards seeds produce a compact collard selected for uniform, dark leaves and dependable cool-season harvest. Vates Collards performs best when the crop is timed for cool weather, established in fertile, well-drained soil, and kept growing without drought checks. Smaller gardens, compact rows, fall harvest, and repeated cutting are where this variety earns its place. About Vates Collard Vates Collard is a biennial selection of collards, with an upright/erect habit and an expected height or spread of 25–30 in. It is best suited to leaves or swollen stems, repeated harvest, cool weather, and seed saving. Notable traits include medium broad leaves; mild to robust brassica flavor that improves with careful timing. Vates Collard deserves a separate record because cultivar names can carry differences in harvest stage, plant form, flavor, or regional performance. History and provenance Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, collards, kale, and kohlrabi are distinct crop groups within Brassica oleracea. Generations of selection emphasized different plant organs: flower buds, heads, leaves, side buds, or swollen stems. Their shared species identity is especially important in seed-saving isolation. Vates collard strains were selected through American public and commercial breeding for practical garden performance. This seed lot is presented by its horticultural type. Vates collard strains were selected through American public and commercial breeding for practical garden performance. Growing facts Scientific name Brassica oleracea L. Viridis Group Life cycle Biennial Maturity 70-79 Days Germination 5-10 Days at 50–65 °F Seed depth 1/4 in Plant height / spread 25–30 in Growth habit Upright/Erect Spacing 18 in between plants; 30 in between rows Sunlight Full sun Soil Loamy; pH 6.0–6.5 Water Moderate Support No-Support Starting Vates Collard from seed Sow 1/4 in deep and keep the seed zone evenly moist. Expect emergence in 5-10 Days when the seed-zone temperature is near 50–65 °F. Germination preparation: Start in clean seed-starting mix when season length requires it, then transplant at a sturdy but not root-bound stage. Light requirement: Cover evenly to 1/4 in. Soaking: None required. Stratification: None required. Scarification: None required. Planting and care Plant during spring/Fall and provide full sun. Space plants 18 in apart with 30 in between rows. Use loamy with a pH near 6.0–6.5, and follow a moderate watering plan. Support requirement: No-Support. Frost response: Semi-Hardy. Medium to large container or in-ground bed; avoid crowding Harvest and use Approximately 70-79 Days, from transplanting to the primary market harvest stage. Weather, soil temperature, and planting method can shift the actual harvest date. Harvest: Medium broad leaves. Uses: Leaves or swollen stems, repeated harvest, cool weather, and seed saving. Flavor: mild to robust brassica flavor that improves with careful timing. Seed saving: Insect-pollinated Brassica oleracea. Best uses include leaves or swollen stems, repeated harvest, cool weather, and seed saving. Flavor and eating quality: mild to robust brassica flavor that improves with careful timing. Saving seed Select several healthy, true-to-type Vates Collard plants that match the expected upright/erect habit and overall plant form. Avoid saving seed only from the earliest or largest individual unless that is your deliberate selection goal. Pollination system: Insect-pollinated Brassica oleracea. Crop groups within Brassica oleracea can cross with one another. Separate compatible varieties that may flower together, or use cages, barriers, hand pollination, or another documented control appropriate to the crop. Vates Collard is a biennial. Seed production may require overwintering, vernalization, or more than one growing season, depending on climate and crop biology. Clean the seed carefully, dry it thoroughly away from direct heat, label the lot with variety and year, and store it cool, dark, and dry. Test germination before an important planting or distribution season. Common problems Common concerns: Flea beetles, imported cabbageworm, cabbage loopers, aphids, slugs, root maggots, and clubroot risk where the pathogen is present. Management: Use rotation, insect netting before pests arrive, regular leaf inspection, sanitation, and well-drained soil. Do not plant the same brassica family repeatedly in one bed. Diagnosis note: Similar symptoms can have different causes. Compare plants of the same age, record weather and irrigation, and use local Extension or diagnostic support before applying a control. Frequently asked questions Frequently Asked Questions - Vates Collard When is Vates Collard ready? Use 70-79 Days. Approximately 70-79 Days, from transplanting to the primary market harvest stage. Weather, soil temperature, and planting method can shift the actual harvest date. How long does germination take? Expect 5-10 Days at about 50–65 °F. Cooler, hotter, crusted, saturated, or dry seedbeds can slow emergence. How large does it grow? Expect about 25–30 in with an upright/erect habit. Space plants 18 in apart and rows 30 in apart. Support: No-Support. Can it grow in a container? Medium to large container or in-ground bed; avoid crowding Use a container with drainage and enough volume to maintain the listed spacing and steady moisture. Can I save seed? Insect-pollinated Brassica oleracea. Keep compatible varieties isolated and allow selected plants to reach full seed maturity.
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