William Alexander Collards

Name: William Alexander Collards
Brand: DIANE FISHER
SKU: 03-5-013
Price: 4.25 USD
Availability: InStock

$4.25

Brassica oleracea

Approximately 100 seeds per packet

Germination: 85% Packed for 2025

William Alexander Heading Collards are a unique heirloom variety of collards that stand out due to their growth habit and flavor profile. Unlike traditional collards, which grow as loose-leaf plants, this variety produces a loose head, somewhat resembling a cabbage in appearance. The wavy leaves of this variety of collards forms a slight heading characteristic with colors that range from dark green to yellow green.

The tender leaves are versatile and can be used in salads, steamed, sautéed, or added to soups. They are particularly delicious when lightly braised with garlic and olive oil. The attractive appearance of the heading collards makes them a lovely addition to edible landscapes.

This variety is named after William Alexander, of Columbia, North Carolina is a farmer known for preserving and promoting this unique strain. It holds cultural significance in Southern gardening and cuisine, representing a piece of agricultural heritage. Mr. Alexander is an African-American farmer who has saved seed all his life, since about 1940. He can’t recall where he first got the collard seed, though it was probably from his father.” Our seeds were grown out by Diane Fisher, a UCFA grower.

Characteristics: These collards have broad, deep-green leaves that form a rosette or semi-head. The leaves are smooth and slightly crinkled. They are upright and can grow up to 18–24 inches tall, with a tendency to form a central head. They are milder and sweeter compared to traditional collards, making them a favorite for raw or lightly cooked dishes.

Growth Information: Like most collards, this variety thrives in cooler weather and is frost-tolerant. Frost can even enhance its sweetness. Seeds can be sown directly into the soil or started indoors and transplanted. They require full sun and well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Allow about 18–24 inches between plants to accommodate their heading nature. They take around 70–85 days to mature.