Growing collards is simple and the luscious leaves of collard greens look as good as they taste.
you might sow seeds directly in the garden in the latter part of the year.
Transplants are generally more successful in the spring because of the cool soil temperature.
The striking foliage of collards is a decorative choice to fill containers. Group pots to keep plenty of fresh greens at hand.Credit:Laurey W. Glenn
Collards love nitrogen and soil that is rich in organic matter.
Grow them in full sun in the garden or in a container as an accent plant.
While they do thrive in full sun, these plants prefer to stay cool.
If you are planting in late summer, your collards may appreciate a bit of afternoon shade.
Soil
Plant your collards in fertile, well-drained, slightly acidic soil.
They prefer loamy soil but also do well in sandy soil that is rich in organic matter.
Mix in aged compost toimprove soil fertility.
Mulch around your plants with shredded bark, shredded leaves, or weed-free straw.
Water
Collards prefer consistent moisture.
Temperature And Humidity
Collard greens easily survive below-freezing temperatures in winter.
Temperatures below 20 degrees Fahrenheit may kill the plants, but a touch of frost makes the leaves sweeter.
Many Southern gardeners prefer to plant collards in fall for that reason.
Collardscan survive winterfurther north than Zone 8 if you experience a mild winter.
Once a collard plant flowers, it produces fewer, tougher, and more bitter leaves.
The plant is focused on producing seeds and ending its life cycle.
Fertilizer
Your plants will produce more leaves if you supply extra nitrogen.
Collard greens also need calcium for optimal health.
Consider having your soil tested with your local extension office beforechoosing a fertilizer.
Many have loose, upright leaves, while other “heading” varieties look closer to a cabbage plant.
Many gardeners are familiar with open-pollinated, heirloom varieties that have been grown for generations.
you could also pop off single leaves by hand, starting from the bottom.
The plant will continue to produce leaves from the center, eventually creating a tree-like stalk.
In fall, wait for a light frost to sweeten the flavor of the leaves.
Because collards expand over time, choose a large container.
Tuck in smaller plants around them such as violas or spring onions.
Make certain your container has a drainage hole, and use high-quality potting soil that drains well.
Some potting soils already contain fertilizer.
If you live in the Upper South, collards will happily grow through the winter in a cold frame.
Surround your plants with shredded leaves or straw to keep them warm.
Larger caterpillars can be picked off the plants and dropped in a can of soapy water.
Diseases can often be prevented by good drainage.
Dispose of whatever parts you don’t use in the trash.
Increase spacing between tightly packed plants and avoid getting leaves wet when you water.
Downy mildew can be treated with fungicide.
The safest bet may be to simply remove affected plants.
However, collard leaves can sometimesturn yellowfor reasons that are not related to disease.
Keep in mind that older leaves naturally turn yellow as they age.
Leaves Turning Yellow
Collards can become stunted and turn yellow from a lack of watering.
If you are having dry weather, water your collards regularly.
Chlorosis, or the yellowing of leaves between the veins, can be brought on by a nutrient deficiency.
Collards are heavy feeders and require extra nitrogen when planted in infertile soil.
Fertilize your plants if you have not already.
They’ll recommend amendments to improve your soil.
