Memphis Blue Collard
Brassica oleracea
Approximately 70 seeds per pack.
Germination ~ 86% Packed for 2025
Origins and History
The Memphis Blue Collard is a Southern heirloom variety with roots in Tennessee, particularly around Memphis, where it was grown for generations in home gardens and small farms. Its distinct bluish-green hue and excellent adaptability to hot, humid climates made it a regional favorite. Like many heirloom collards, it has been passed down through seed-saving traditions, valued for its resilience, flavor, and role in African American foodways. This variety stands as a reminder of the cultural heritage embedded in Southern greens.
Appearance and Characteristics
Memphis Blue Collard is distinguished by its broad, smooth leaves with a striking blue-green tint that sets it apart from standard collards. The leaves are thick, sturdy, and slightly waxy, giving them durability in the garden and on the plate. Plants typically grow upright, reaching 2–3 feet in height with a dense rosette of leaves. The bluish coloration not only gives it visual appeal but also provides some protection against pests.
Culinary Uses
Like other collard greens, Memphis Blue is versatile in the kitchen. The leaves are tender yet hearty, ideal for slow cooking, braising, or steaming. Traditionally, they are simmered with smoked meats, onions, or garlic to create deeply flavored dishes central to Southern cuisine. Perfect for traditional Southern dishes like collard greens with smoked meats. Can be steamed, sautéed, braised, or even used as wraps in place of tortillas. Young, tender leaves work well in salads or smoothies. Younger leaves can also be harvested for lighter preparations, such as stir-fries or fresh wraps. Their rich, slightly nutty taste holds up well to bold seasonings and long cooking.
Growing Tips
Memphis Blue Collard is a hardy and adaptable crop. It thrives in USDA vegetation zones 6–10, tolerating both summer heat and light frosts, which improve leaf sweetness. Sow seeds directly into the garden at a depth of ¼ to ½ inch, spacing plants 18–24 inches apart in rows 2–3 feet apart. The variety prefers well-drained, fertile soil enriched with organic matter. Full sun promotes the best growth, though plants will tolerate partial shade. Consistent moisture ensures tender leaves, but avoid waterlogging.
Harvesting Guidance
Harvesting can begin when plants reach about 12 inches tall. Outer leaves should be cut individually, allowing the central growing point to continue producing new growth for an extended season. Regular picking encourages continued leaf production. For the most tender, flavorful greens, harvest after the first frost, when cool weather enhances sweetness. Plants can be overwintered in mild climates, providing a steady supply of fresh collards through winter and early spring.
Thee seeds from this variety was grown out by David Barron in Oregon.
