Sowing Collard Seed Indoors
Direct sowing is recommended, but to get a head start you can grow collards indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost.
Sow seeds ¼ – ½ inches deep in seed-starting formula.
Keep the soil moist at 70 degrees F.
Seedlings emerge in 10-21 days.
As soon as seedlings emerge, provide plenty of light and grow seedlings 3-4 inches beneath LED plant light. Lights should be turned on 16 hours per day, off for 8 hours at night. Raise the lights as the plants grow taller. Most plants require a dark period to grow, do not leave lights on for 24 hours.
Seedlings do not need much fertilizer, feed when they are 3-4 weeks old using a starter solution (half strength of a complete indoor houseplant food) according to manufacturer’s directions.
Before planting in the garden, seedling plants need to be “hardened off”. Accustom young plants to outdoor conditions by moving them to a sheltered place outside for a week. Be sure to protect them from wind and hot sun at first. If frost threatens at night, cover or bring containers indoors, then take them out again in the morning. This hardening off process toughens the plant’s cell structure and reduces transplant shock and scalding.
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How to Grow Collards
Sowing Directly in the Garden
For optimum flavor, grow in cool weather after danger of frost.
Sow in well-drained soil in full sun.
In rows 30 inches apart, sow seed directly in the ground ¼- ½ inches deep.
Seedlings emerge in 10-21 days depending on soil and weather conditions.
Thin gradually to stand 6-8 inches apart starting when seedlings are about 3 inches high.
Keep weeds under control during the growing season. Weeds compete with plants for water, space and nutrients, so control them by either cultivating often or use a mulch to prevent their seeds from germinating. Avoid disturbing the soil around the plants when weeding.
Keep plants well watered during dry periods to promote rapid, uninterrupted growth. Plants need about 1-1/2 inches of rain per week during the growing season. Use a rain gauge to check to see if you need to add water. It’s best to water with a drip or trickle system that delivers water at low pressure at the soil level. If you water with overhead sprinklers, water early in the day so the foliage has time to dry off before evening, to minimize disease problems. Keep the soil moist but not saturated.
Monitor for pests and diseases. Check with your local Cooperative Extension Service for pest controls recommended for your area.
Harvest and Preserving Tips
Harvest whole plants when they are 6-8 inches tall.
If you do not want the whole plant, pick the bottom leaves as you need them and the inner buds will keep producing.
You can also harvest whole plants by cutting off just below the crown.
If grown in the fall, wait until after a light frost as the frost sweetens the flavor.
Wrap the leaves in a clean, wet tea towel, or damp paper towel and place in a perforated plastic bag and refrigerate.
Collards are best when steamed, sautéed, or boiled.