How to Grow Collard Greens 'Vates'
Collard Greens 'Vates'
Brassica oleracea var. viridis
vegetableCollard Greens 'Vates' is a cold-hardy, non-heading brassica with blue-green, deeply savoyed leaves that are tender and flavorful. This heirloom variety is exceptionally cold-tolerant, improving in flavor after frost exposure. It's a Southern staple that produces nutritious greens for months with minimal maintenance.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 3-10; exceptional cold tolerance makes it ideal for zones 3-7
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Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny cotyledons emerge 5-10 days after sowing, followed by true leaves with characteristic savoyed edges
Maintain consistent moisture and warmth (70-75°F). Thin seedlings to prevent crowding. Keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
Vegetative Growth
3-5 weeksPlant develops 4-8 leaves in rosette formation; blue-green foliage thickens and becomes increasingly textured
Apply balanced fertilizer every 3 weeks. Ensure 1 inch of water weekly. Monitor for pests. Mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Leaf Development
4-8 weeksContinuous production of mature leaves from the center outward; plant reaches 24-36 inches tall
Begin harvesting outer leaves once plant is 12 inches tall to encourage continued production. Side-dress with compost. Maintain steady watering.
Cold Hardening
Ongoing; peaks in fall/winterAfter frost exposure (28-32°F), leaves become sweeter, more tender, and develop deeper color; flavor improves significantly
Do not cover or protect; frost actually enhances flavor. Continue harvesting. Plant can produce through winter in mild zones.
Extended Harvest
3-6 months or until spring boltingPlant continues producing harvestable leaves for 3-6 months; becomes more cold-hardy and flavorful with time
Harvest outer leaves regularly to prevent self-shading and encourage new growth. Apply organic fertilizer monthly. Remove any yellowed or diseased leaves.
Common Pests
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Handpick caterpillars, use row covers on young plants, apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), or use spinosad spray
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Use row covers until plants are established, apply neem oil or spinosad, dust with diatomaceous earth, plant trap crops like radishes
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Remove infested leaves, apply Bt spray, use row covers, encourage beneficial wasps
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Strong water spray to dislodge, insecticidal soap, neem oil, encourage ladybugs and lacewings
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Handpick bugs and egg clusters, use yellow sticky traps, row covers, plant resistant varieties nearby
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Remove affected leaves, improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, rotate crops, use disease-free seeds
Uses
Southern Cuisine & Braising
CulinaryCollard greens are a cornerstone of Southern cooking, traditionally braised with bacon, onions, and vinegar. The hardy leaves maintain texture when cooked slowly and pair well with cornbread and other traditional dishes. [source]
Salads & Raw Consumption
CulinaryYoung, tender leaves from 'Vates' can be eaten raw in salads or used as wraps for grain bowls. The savoyed texture adds visual interest and the mild flavor works well in vinaigrettes. [source]
Nutritional & Medicinal Value
MedicinalCollard greens are extremely nutrient-dense, rich in vitamins K, A, and C, calcium, and glucosinolates (compounds with potential anti-cancer properties). They support bone health, heart health, and provide detoxification compounds. [source]
Juice & Smoothie Ingredient
HouseholdFresh collard green leaves can be juiced or blended into smoothies for a nutrient boost. The mild flavor pairs well with fruits, ginger, and lemon. [source]
Beneficial Insect Habitat
WildlifeFlowering or bolting collard plants attract pollinators and predatory insects that support garden ecosystem health. The dense foliage provides shelter for beneficial arthropods. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Begin harvesting outer leaves when plant is 12 inches tall and leaves are 8-10 inches long. Pinch or cut leaves from outside working inward, leaving the growing center intact for continuous production. Harvest in early morning after dew dries for best flavor and texture. Mature leaves are most tender. Continue harvesting through winter in cold zones; flavor improves after frost. Remove flowering shoots to extend leaf production. Plants can produce for 3-6 months.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 'Vates' is an heirloom variety that can tolerate temperatures as low as 15°F and actually becomes sweeter after a hard frost, as starches convert to sugars
- 🌱 Collard greens have been cultivated for over 2,500 years and are a traditional staple in Southern U.S., African, Portuguese, and Mediterranean cuisines
- 🌱 A single collard plant can produce harvestable leaves for 6+ months, making it one of the most prolific and economical vegetables a gardener can grow
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