Collard Greens 1 Oz 8000 Seeds Brassica oleracea USA Company

Collard greens, often simply referred to as collards, are a leafy green vegetable that belongs to the Brassicaceae family, which includes other vegetables like kale, cabbage, and broccoli. Collard greens are known for their large, dark green, and slightly bitter leaves. They are a popular vegetable in Southern cuisine in the United States and are also enjoyed in various other cuisines around the world. Here's some information about collard greens:

1. Appearance: Collard greens have large, broad, and dark green leaves that can grow up to two feet long. The leaves are typically smooth and have a slightly crinkled texture.
2. Flavor: Collard greens have a mild, earthy, and slightly bitter flavor, especially when they are fully mature. Cooking them can help mellow the bitterness.
3. Nutritional Value: Collard greens are highly nutritious and are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. They are rich in vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin C, folate, calcium, and potassium. They also contain antioxidants and phytonutrients.
4. Culinary Uses: Collard greens can be cooked in various ways. They are commonly boiled, steamed, sautéed, or braised. In Southern cuisine, they are often simmered for a long time with ingredients like smoked ham hocks or bacon. They can also be used as a wrap for sandwiches or as a filling for dishes.

Growing Instructions

Select the Right Time: Collard greens are a cool-season crop. Start your seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date in your area for a spring planting or 10-12 weeks before the first expected frost date for a fall planting.

Prepare Seedling Trays or Pots: Fill seedling trays or small pots with a high-quality seed starting mix or potting soil. Ensure the soil is well-draining and free of large clumps.

Plant the Seeds: Sow collard green seeds about ¼ inch (6 mm) deep in the soil. Space the seeds about 2 inches (5 cm) apart in rows. You can plant multiple seeds in each cell or pot and thin them later if necessary.

Water Gently: Use a watering can or spray bottle to moisten the soil evenly without disturbing the seeds. Ensure the soil stays consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Cover for Germination: Cover the trays or pots with plastic wrap or a clear plastic dome to create a mini-greenhouse effect. Place them in a warm, well-lit location. If using natural sunlight, make sure the seedlings receive at least 6-8 hours of direct light per day. If not, consider using grow lights.

Maintain Temperature: Collard green seedlings prefer temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C). Keep the environment consistently warm.

Transplant Seedlings: When your collard green seedlings have grown to about 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cm) tall and have a couple of true leaves (not just the initial seed leaves), they are ready to be transplanted into your garden. Ensure the garden spot receives full sun.

Harden Off: Before transplanting, gradually acclimate your seedlings to outdoor conditions by exposing them to the outside environment for a few hours each day. This process, known as hardening off, helps prevent transplant shock.

Plant Outdoors: Plant the collard green seedlings in your garden at the same depth they were in the pots or trays, spacing them about 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) apart to allow for their mature growth. Water them thoroughly after transplanting.

Care for Your Plants: Collard greens require consistent watering, especially during dry periods. Consider mulching around the plants to conserve moisture and reduce weed growth. You can also fertilize with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer following the package instructions.

Harvesting: Harvest collard greens when the leaves are young and tender, typically 60-85 days after planting. You can pick individual leaves or cut the entire plant at once. Younger leaves are milder in flavor.