| I planted collards last fall. They grew about 3 feet tall, but the head were about the size of a medium size cabbage. The leafs were few. |
| It sounds as though you planted your collards at the right time of the year so if they didn't thrive, either your soil needs some help or you might want to try a different variety. In Florida, collards thrive under a wide range of conditions and can easily be grown throughout most of the year. Although the best quality collards are those planted in the fall and matured during the cooler winter months, the best yields occur from early spring plantings. The standard old-time favorite collard variety is "Georgia." "Georgia" has smooth leaves and whitish stems. The main stem grows to approximately 3-4 feet. Other varieties of collards recommended for Florida are "Vates," which has wavy leaves, "Blue Max" and "HiCrop Hybrid." Collards can be direct seeded in the garden, but better results will be obtained by using transplants. Rows should be spaced 24 - 36 inches apart with plants 10 -18 inches apart. Collards grow best in fertile soils, with a high nitrogen content. Generous amounts of compost or manure worked into the soil two to three weeks before planting will greatly benefit the crop. Since collards will produce continuously over several months, several applications of a nitrogen fertilizer during the growing season will help the crop. Side dress a common garden fertilizer such as 6-6-6 at the rate of one pound per 100 square feet or ammonium nitrate at one fourth pound per 100 square feet. Hope this information helps! |
