Georgia Southern Collards are a beloved heirloom variety renowned for their large tender leaves, exceptional cold tolerance, and rich traditional flavor. A member of the Brassicaceae family, this classic Southern favorite has been grown for generations and remains one of the most productive and dependable leafy greens available to home gardeners.
The broad dark green leaves offer a mild earthy flavor with a pleasant hint of bitterness that becomes mellow and savory when cooked. Georgia Southern Collards are excellent for soups, stews, braised dishes, and traditional Southern recipes. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, they provide both exceptional nutrition and outstanding culinary versatility.
This cool-season crop thrives in fertile, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8 and performs best in full sun. Georgia Southern Collards grow vigorously during spring and fall, producing abundant harvests over an extended season. Regular watering and proper spacing encourage healthy leaf production and help maintain tender, high-quality foliage.
Productive, nutritious, and remarkably cold hardy, Georgia Southern Collards remain one of the finest heirloom greens for gardeners seeking dependable harvests and exceptional flavor. The leaves often become even sweeter and more flavorful after exposure to light frost.
Georgia Southern Collard Seed Details
- Quantity: 200 Seeds
- Plant Type: Heirloom Collard Green
- Family: Brassicaceae
- Species: Brassica oleracea
- Leaf Appearance: Large Dark Green Leaves
- Flavor: Mild, Earthy, and Savory
- Best Uses: Soups, Stews, Braising, Southern Dishes, Fresh Greens
- Seed Planting Depth: 1/4 Inch
- Germination Temperature: 55-70°F
- Days to Germination: 5-10 Days
- Row Spacing: 24 Inches
- Plant Spacing: 18 Inches
- 100' Row Yield: 70 Pounds
- Sun Requirements: Full Sun
- Harvest Time: Approximately 74 Days
- Special Features: Cold Hardy, Frost Sweetened Flavor, Continuous Harvest, Highly Nutritious
How to Save Seeds
Collards readily cross-pollinate with other members of the Brassica oleracea species, including cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and Brussels sprouts. To maintain varietal purity, separate seed-producing varieties by approximately one mile whenever possible.
Because collards are biennial plants, they must overwinter before producing seed. In mild climates, protect plants with a heavy layer of mulch throughout the winter. In colder regions, carefully dig the plants and store them in moist sand at temperatures between 35°F and 40°F.
When spring arrives, replant the overwintered collards and allow them to produce flowering stalks. Following pollination, seed pods will form and gradually mature on the plant.
Allow the seed pods to dry completely before harvesting. Once collected, finish drying the seeds if necessary and store them in a cool, dry location for future planting.