Whaley’s Favorite Cabbage Collards
Brassica oleracea
Seeds per pack ~ 100
Germination: 81% Jun 2024 Packed for 2025
Whaley’s Favorite Cabbage Collards is a unique variety of collards cherished for its cabbage-like qualities. This heirloom cultivar is particularly prized for its mild flavor, tender texture, and versatility in the kitchen. Perfect for Southern-style collard greens dishes. Great in soups, stews, or stir-fries. Can be used raw in salads or as wraps for sandwiches and fillings. This variety is a favorite for gardeners and cooks who appreciate a versatile, resilient, and flavorful green.
Key Characteristics: The flavor & texture combines the sweetness of cabbage with the heartiness of traditional collards. Leaves are smoother and more tender compared to other collard varieties, making them ideal for fresh or cooked dishes. Broad, slightly crinkled green leaves with a waxy surface. Plants grow in a rosette pattern, resembling loose-headed cabbage.
Growth Habit: Biennial. A vigorous and hardy plant that thrives in various climates. Grows upright with a spread of about 18–24 inches and can reach a height of 2–3 feet. Exceptional frost tolerance, with leaves becoming sweeter after exposure to light frosts.
Growing Tips: Prefers well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5. Grows best in full sun but tolerates partial shade. Spring for summer harvest. Late summer or early fall for overwintering and sweeter winter leaves. Provide at least 18–24 inches between plants to allow for optimal growth. Maintain consistent moisture, but avoid waterlogging. Water your collards regularly, ensuring the soil is moist but not saturated. As the plants grow, you'll want to thin out the seedlings to ensure they have enough space to reach their full potential. You may also want to add a layer of mulch to help keep the soil moist and to reduce weeds. These greens are winter hardy and sweeten a bit with a touch of frost.