Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
• dense foliation; true-to-type leaf shape
• stalk length (varies greatly between and sometimes within varieties)
• flavor
• yield
CULTIVATION HISTORY
The non-heading cole crops are the oldest of the species. The ancient Greeks
and Romans grew types similar to kale, and paintings from the Renaissance depict similarly shaped
plants. In East Frisia (German:
Ostfriesland
), the variety 'Ostfriesische Palme' is famous for its palm
tree-like height and is grown for people and livestock alike. Its stalks were once grown for use as
rafters in buildings.
COLLARD GREENS
Brassica oleracea
convar.
acephala
var.
medullosa
Collard greens have been selected over the years for thick leaf stalks. The main stalk of the plant can
grow to over 3 ft. (1 m) in height and is loosely leaved from top to bottom.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
• 10 to 15 healthy plants
• insect netting (or absence of cabbage pests)
• trellis or one support pole per flowering plant
GROWING FOR SEED
Grow for seed as for cabbage. Like kale, collard greens can survive temperat-
ures to 19°F (−7°C) or even lower, in some varieties. Where winters get colder, overwinter indoors.
SELECTION CHARACTERISTICS
• development of a tall, strong main stalk
• good foliation
• winter hardiness
CULTIVATION HISTORY
Collard greens have been cultivated in France since the beginning of the 19th
century, spreading thence to England, Denmark, and Germany. The crop was grown in Germany as
livestock feed until the 1970s, at which point it was given up in favor of soy imports and increased
corn (maize) cultivation.
