Georgia Southern Collard leaves with a measuring cup full of salad on a white background
Georgia Southern or Creole Collards sauteed on a blue plate with large collard leaves.
Gardener holding a handful of freshly plucked Georgia Southern or Creole Collards in a greenhouse.
Jere Gettle is holding a giant Georgia Southern Collards head in a greenhouse at Baker Creek.
Georgia Southern or Creole Collards growing on the farm at Baker Creek in Missouri.
A man holding some freshly harvested Georgia Southern Collards.
A close-up of a backlit Georgia Southern or Creole Collard leaf growing in the garden.
Several tender Georgia Southern or Creole Collards greens arranged for a photograph in the greenhouse at Baker Creek.
Georgia Southern Collard leaves with a measuring cup full of salad on a white background
Georgia Southern or Creole Collards sauteed on a blue plate with large collard leaves.
Gardener holding a handful of freshly plucked Georgia Southern or Creole Collards in a greenhouse.
Jere Gettle is holding a giant Georgia Southern Collards head in a greenhouse at Baker Creek.
Georgia Southern or Creole Collards growing on the farm at Baker Creek in Missouri.
A man holding some freshly harvested Georgia Southern Collards.
A close-up of a backlit Georgia Southern or Creole Collard leaf growing in the garden.
Several tender Georgia Southern or Creole Collards greens arranged for a photograph in the greenhouse at Baker Creek.

Collard Seeds,
Georgia Southern or Creole

4.732 ReviewsSKU: #OG109Min. seed count: 250
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Description

(Brassica oleracea). A great old Southern favorite, pre-1880 heirloom. Has a good resistance to heat and cold. Sure, it's great for the South, but also good up north. Huge yield, a real producer, very tasty, and flavorful. In its 1921 catalog, the J.J. Wilson Seed Co. noted that the variety, with its large, tender leaves, "should be better known." We concur!

Growing Tips: Creole collards are a hardy, heirloom variety that thrives in both heat and cold, making them suitable for various climates. They are well-regarded for their mild, cabbage-like flavor that improves with light frost. These collards grow best in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. They prefer fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5 and benefit from the addition of compost or organic matter to boost soil fertility.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Brassica oleracea
Life Cycle
Biennial
Sun Requirement
6–8 hr.
Days to Germinate
4–7
Days to Maturity
75–85
Planting Depth
½ in.
Plant Spacing
8 in.
Ideal Temperature
40–85°F
Frost Hardy
Yes

When to Grow

These collards can be grown as a spring or fall crop. In the spring, start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost, or direct sow outdoors 2-4 weeks before the last frost once the soil can be worked. For a fall harvest, sow seeds directly from July to September. In regions with mild winters, collards can grow throughout the winter. If you're not sure how to find your area's first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

How to Sow and Plant

Sow seeds directly into the garden at a depth of 1/2 inch. Once seedlings are a few inches tall, thin them to about 8 inches apart to allow enough space for mature plants. If starting indoors, sow seeds 4-6 weeks before the last frost date and transplant outdoors when seedlings are 4-6 inches tall​.

How to Grow

Consistent watering is very important, especially during hot weather. Aim to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses can be effective in providing moisture directly to the roots while avoiding wetting the leaves, which helps prevent fungal diseases. Applying mulch can help conserve soil moisture and suppress weeds. Fertilize the plants every 4-6 weeks using a balanced fertilizer or organic options like compost tea or fish emulsion.

How to Save Seeds

  • Like all cabbage family members, collard is biennial, and it will set seed in its second year.
  • Collard is insect-pollinated and will cross with some closely related cabbage family members, so it is wise to isolate varieties at least a mile apart to ensure pure seed. Other techniques such as alternate day caging can be used if isolation is not possible.
  • You will need to overwinter plants to harvest seeds. Mulch plants heavily with straw or cover with row cover and greenhouse plastic in an attempt to nurse plants through the winter. You can also dig up plants and store them inside to replant in spring.
  • When the flower spikes emerge in the second year, let the seed pods dry to brown and cut off the entire flower spike.
  • Hang flower stalks upside down indoors over a tarp, allowing the seeds to drop onto the tarp.
  • Seeds will remain viable for up to 4 years.

FAQ

How long does it take for Georgia Southern collards to mature?

They typically reach maturity in about 75-85 days, depending on the growing conditions.

Can Georgia Southern collards tolerate frost?

Yes, these collards are frost-tolerant and their flavor often improves after exposure to light frost.

How often should collards be watered?

Collards need consistent moisture. Water deeply about once a week, more frequently in hot, dry conditions.

Customer reviews

4.7 / 5 32 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Massively productive: A few plants give an armload of greens every week or two.

  • Heat and freeze hardy: Shrugs off 100-degree summers and hard freezes alike.

  • Overwinters easily: Harvest all winter; frost makes the leaves sweeter.

  • Sweet, tender greens: Tender and not bitter, good raw, steamed or stir-fried.

  • Heads up: Cabbage moths and other bugs love them; cover or treat early.

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