VegetableCollard
Vates Collards
Traditional Collard Greens
Vates Collards is a beloved 1950s variety that brings the sweet, tender flavor of traditional Southern collards to gardens in zones 8-10. With its vigorous spreading habit and distinctive blue-green leaves marked by pale veins, this slow-bolting cultivar reaches an impressive 32 inches tall while staying productive through cooler weather. Ready to harvest in 70-79 days, Vates produces loose heads of slick, somewhat crumpled leaves that are at their sweetest when temperatures drop.
Photo © True Leaf Market
Growing Conditions
USDA Zone
8-10
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Soil
Well-drained, Fertile Loam With Consistent Moisture
Preferred Temp60-75°F
Growth Stats
32 in
Height
—
Width
6 in
Spacing
70–79
Days to Harvest
PeriodPerennial
TypeForb/herb
Plant Profile
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Zones
8-10
Size
32in H x ?in W
Growth
Perennial
Care
High
Hover over chart points for details
Highlights
This frost-resistant variety stands out for its exceptional cold tolerance and slow-bolting nature, making it perfect for extended growing seasons. The large, crumpled blue-green leaves develop their signature sweet flavor when grown in cooler weather, whether in spring or fall plantings. Its loose-headed growth habit and vigorous spreading nature produce abundant harvests from plants that tower at 32 inches tall, offering both individual leaf picking and whole plant harvesting options.
Common Uses
These versatile greens excel in traditional Southern cooking methods including sautéing and baking, but their sweet flavor also makes them delicious when eaten fresh in salads or slaws. The tender, crisp leaves hold up beautifully to longer cooking methods that transform their texture while concentrating their natural sweetness.
Growing Timeline
First Bloom
Not Applicable
First Harvest
Approximately 55-75 Days After Planting
Last Harvest
Late Fall Or After First Frost
Care Instructions
Direct Sow
Direct sow Vates Collard seeds 3-4 weeks before the last average frost date, as this frost-resistant variety can handle cool soil and light frosts. Plant with 6 inches between plants and maintain 18 inches between rows to accommodate their vigorous spreading growth.
Harvesting
Begin harvesting after 70-79 days when leaves reach full size and develop their characteristic blue-green color with pale veining. For continuous production, harvest individual outer leaves as needed throughout the growing season, allowing the center to keep producing. Alternatively, harvest the entire plant at once when it reaches maturity around 32 inches tall.
Growing Calendar
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Companion Planting
Ecology & Traits
Edible
Scientific Classification
Brassica oleracea L.
Family
Brassicaceae
Genus
Brassica
Duration
Perennial
Growth Habit
Spreading
Native Status
L48 (I)PR (I)CAN (W)GL (W)
History & Origin
“Vates Collards emerged in the 1950s as a non-heading variety that captured the essence of traditional Southern collard greens. This cultivar was developed to offer gardeners a reliable, slow-bolting option that could extend the growing season while maintaining the authentic flavor profile that made collards a staple of Southern cuisine.”