Collard Greens

Growing

You can start your collards from seed indoors once the weather begins to warm, or sow them directly into the garden after the last frost. These hardy greens grow in soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Because they are a cool-season crop, they can withstand a hard freeze, which often improves their flavor. If you find the leaves too bitter, remember that certain genetics make some people more sensitive to the natural glucosinolates found in the Brassica family.

As your plants grow, watch for common pests. Integrated pest management strategies, such as physical barriers or organic controls, can help protect the upright stems and leaves. Since these plants do not ripen after being picked, harvest the leaves when they are ready to use. For the best quality, avoid letting the leaves over-mature or become tough.

When you are ready to preserve your harvest, blanch the leaves before freezing to maintain their quality. You can also store unwashed leaves in the fridge for a short period. If you have a surplus, you can ferment or pickle them.