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JNB Seed

Morris Heading Collard Seeds

Morris Heading Collard Seeds

Regular price $3.99 CAD
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The nutrient-rich blue-green leaves of this collard variety exhibit a slow bolting tendency and boast high levels of antioxidants. A beloved staple in Southern cuisine, these leaves acquire an enhanced sweetness after exposure to frost. Growing up to three feet tall, the broad leaves measure between 25.4-46 centimeters in length, offering a substantial harvest period of 80 days.

Collard greens, also referred to as wild or non-heading cabbage, are believed to have originated in Asia Minor and the Mediterranean region. Their introduction to Europe remains a subject of debate, with historians uncertain whether the Romans or the Celts first brought them to the continent. Through the slave trade, collard greens found their way into American Southern cuisine, where they became integral to traditional dishes, often prepared by slaves who creatively combined them with leftover meat scraps for added flavor. Over time, collard greens have evolved into a quintessential symbol of Southern culinary heritage and cultural tradition.

The cultivation of collard greens typically involves planting them in well-prepared soil and providing adequate sunlight. With proper care, these resilient plants thrive, offering a generous yield of nutritious leaves. Despite their origins in the warmer climates of the South, collard greens can adapt to various growing conditions, making them a versatile addition to any garden. As the leaves mature, they become increasingly tender and flavorful, making them a popular choice for a variety of culinary applications.

Harvesting collard greens is a straightforward process that involves picking the mature leaves as needed. Generally, collard greens are best harvested after approximately 80 days of growth, ensuring optimal flavor and tenderness. These versatile greens can be used in a wide range of dishes, including soups, stews, stir-fries, and salads, offering a nutritious and flavorful addition to any meal.

    How To Grow

    Sowing: To initiate a spring harvest, sow Morris heading collards seeds directly into the soil 6-8 weeks before the final spring frost. For a fall yield, sow the seeds similarly 6-8 weeks preceding the first fall frost. Plant the seeds approximately 1 centimeter deep, spacing them every 30.5 centimeters for smaller plants; later thin them, retaining only the healthiest seedling. Alternatively, for larger plants, space them 61 centimeters apart. For added benefits, consider companion planting collards alongside tomatoes.

    Growing: Maintain regular watering schedules and supplement the soil with compost or organic fertilizer multiple times throughout the summer. Morris heading collards exhibit excellent heat tolerance, thriving even in hotter climates.

    Harvesting

    Commence leaf collection when the collard plants reach a height of 25.4-30.48 centimeters, starting with the outer leaves first. As the plant matures, it may resemble a tree with leaves concentrated at the top of the stalk; in such cases, provide support with a stake if necessary. Spring-harvested collards typically decline in productivity during the summer heat, whereas fall-harvested ones continue to yield well even after frost, with the cold enhancing their sweetness.

    Seed Saving

    Allow the collard plant to progress to the flowering stage and produce seeds. The pods will resemble small green beans initially. Once the pods have dried and the seeds inside turn dark brown, carefully remove them from the plant and thoroughly dry them indoors. Remove any excess chaff before storing the seeds in a cool, dry location for future planting.



    Extra Facts

    Planting Methods: Indoor, Outdoor

    Blooming Season: Morris Heading collard greens, prized for their leaves, may bloom in the second year if allowed to bolt. Blooming, influenced by factors like temperature, is not the focus for culinary use. Harvest before flowering for tender leaves; for seed saving, allow some plants to bolt, flower, and produce seeds.

    Planting Season: Spring, Fall

    Latin Name/USDA Zones: Brassica oleracea var. acephala/ 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

    Shelf Life After Test Date: Morris Heading collard green seeds maintain viability for several years after the test date if stored properly. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. While germination rates may decrease over time, a germination test can ensure successful planting, allowing you to enjoy the nutritional benefits of Morris Heading collard greens for seasons to come.

    Seed Type: Heirloom, Open-Pollinated

    Soil Type: Loam Soil

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