Variegated Collards Seeds

Variegated collards bring an unusual green-and-cream look to the greens patch. Leaf markings develop unevenly and can change with growing conditions, so every seedling will not look identical. Grow for leafy harvests and garden interest.

Packet: 50 seeds

Planting at a glance

• Season: Cool season
• Start: Direct sow, or start indoors 4–6 weeks before transplanting
• Seed depth: ¼–½ inch
• Germination: Usually 10–15 days in warm, moist starting mix; aim for about 75–85°F
• Final spacing: Thin to 12–24 inches apart; rows about 24 inches apart
• Light: Full sun
• Harvest planning: Typical crop window: 70–90 days from sowing, or 50–70 days from transplanting

When to plant

Plant during your local cool growing season. In colder regions, use spring or late-summer/fall sowings and allow enough growing time before hard freezes. South Florida outdoor window: September–January.

How to plant

1. Prepare loose, well-drained soil or a clean seed-starting mix. Direct sow, or start indoors 4–6 weeks before transplanting.
2. Sow ¼–½ inch deep. Keep the seedbed evenly moist until seedlings emerge. Then water when the soil needs it, allowing excess water to drain.
3. Thin or transplant to the listed final spacing. Give seedlings sufficient light and check moisture as roots establish.

How to harvest

Pick outer leaves once they reach a useful size. Leave the central growing point and enough foliage for continued growth.

Aunt E’s tip: Pick a few outer leaves from several plants instead of stripping one plant bare.