How to Grow Collards and Kale
As a member of the cabbage family, Collards and Kale plants are much
less known. Collard and Kale are closely related. They are strong flavored,
open leafed cabbage. They do not form a large, round head. Some varieties
of Kale are used in flower gardens, as they make colorful flowers.
Despite being easier to grow than regular cabbage, why isn't it popular?
The answer is taste. Both of these vegetables have a strong taste, and can
be quite bitter, especially in the warmer weather.
Varieties:
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Collard-There are few varieties to choose from. Many garden stores and seed
catalogs do not carry them. You may have to search a little for it.
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Kale- There are two major types: Curled leaves and plain or "straight" leaves.
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There is also a flowering, or ornamental Kale, that is popular in flower
beds and rock gardens. They produce colorful leaves or "flowers".
Sowing Collard and Kale Seeds:
Many areas can grow a spring and a fall crop. All members of the cabbage
family can withstand frosts and freezes. Plan to place your seeds or seedlings
in your garden as one of the first crops. If you time your crop right, you
will have a couple weeks in the middle of summers' heat and humidity when
you are not growing Collards or Kale. This is actually good, as these plants
do not like high heat and dry conditions.
TIP: If you plant early in the year, consider using a raised row or
bed to allow better drainage during early spring rains.
Indoors: Start your spring crop indoors four to six weeks before planting
outdoors. Plan to plant your seedlings outdoors very early in the season.
It can be planted outdoors before the last frost date for your area.
Plant seeds in containers 1/2 inch deep, in sterile starting mix. Water
thoroughly once, then lightly after the seeds have sprouted. Provide plenty
of sunlight or artificial gro lights so the plants do not become spindly.
Boost your plants health with a light application of liquid fertilizer once
or twice during this period.
Outdoors: Collard and Kale seeds can be direct sowed into the row,
or seeded in a separate area and transplanted to the row after a few weeks.
We recommend planting them together in a seedbed, and transplanting the
seedlings. This allows for better control of the spacing of your seedlings.
This is a common method for the second planting. Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep.
Water well and make sure to keep the top level of soil moist, especially
during the drier mid-summer planting.
Whether direct seeding or transplanting, make the final spacing 18 to 24
inches apart, in rows three feet apart. The outer leaves of a healthy plant
will spread and cover a lot of space.
Tip: For direct seeding, prepare the soil first. Then, place tomato
cages (to mark your planting) 18 to 24 inches apart. Sow several seeds
inside the ring of the cage. Thin to two plants a week after germination,
and to one plant after a couple of weeks. This avoids transplant shock ,and
affords proper spacing for maximum growth. Remove the tomato cages after
the seedlings have begun to grow.
How to Grow Collard and Kale:
Because Collards and Kale do not form heads, it is easier to grow than cabbage.
The young leaves can be harvested as the plant grows for salads, soups and
other recipes.
Collard and Kale plants prefer full sunlight. Collard and Kale plants will
grow in average and poorer soils. But like any plant, they respond favorably
to richer soil high in nutrients. Note: Make sure to provide plenty of nitrogen
for a greener crop.
Keep the soil moist, but not wet. Dry conditions lead to bitter vegetables
in all of the vegetable world. Collard and Kale are no exception.
Days to Maturity:
Kale matures in 55 - 60 Days. Collard takes a little longer, and is
normally harvested in 70 - 80 days. In both cases, the more tender young
leaves can be harvested as soon as they reach a size that is easy for picking.
Insects and Pests:
All members of the cabbage family are extremely susceptible to insects. Collards
and Kale are no exception. Among the most common are aphids, and cabbage
loopers. Cabbage loopers the larva stage of a moth. Those white moths that
visit your garden and yard are the culprits. Effective treatment in the home
garden is to place a screen over the plant so the moth can not lay her eggs.
Commercial growers apply insecticides to control them. Aphids are controlled
by frequent spraying. Organic controls in the form of soap or garlic sprays
are also effective.
Disease:
Collards and Kale are fairly resistant to most diseases.
Hardiness:
Collards and Kale as previously mentioned, are among the hardiest of annuals.
The plants can withstand temperatures into the upper 20's. You know you have
a hardy plant when you go out to the garden in December, brush a little snow
away, and harvest some vegetables.
Did you Know? For all members of the cabbage family, flavor is better
in cool weather. Most growers will attest that the flavor is best after a
frost.
More Information:
Buy Vegetable Seeds Finest quality Ferry Morse Seed,
America's oldest seed company with their famous "guarantee to grow".
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