Brassica oleracea
Days to Maturity: 70-75
Champion Collards are a productive hardy green that will keep on gracing your kitchen throughout the year. Delicious in many Southern dishes, soups, stir-fries and as wraps in place of tortillas. Large blue-green, round, cabbage-like leaves. Strong plants stand 2-3 feet tall.
Appropriately named, this variety is well-regarded for both its heat and cold tolerance. Originally developed at the Virginia Agricultural Experimental Station, Champion Collards are an open-pollinated, improved version of the Vates collard. They are particularly suitable for overwintering, as they can withstand frost better than many other greens, and their leaves remain edible longer- up to two weeks after harvesting. The waxy coating on their leaves also serves as a natural deterrent against pests like cabbage worms.
Planting Instructions: Plant Champion Collard seeds outdoors in early spring as soon as soil can be worked. Plant every few weeks for continuous baby leaf production. Plant again in fall, 2 months before first expected frost. Plant 1/4-1/2" deep, 6" apart.
Seed Saving Instructions: Bienniel. Allow plants to overwinter. Collect Champion Collard seeds in second year when seed pods are dry and easily crumble in your hand. Store seeds in a paper or mesh bag in a cool, dark and dry location.
Approx 50 Champion Collard seeds per packet