Collard greens whose botanical name is Brassica alerocea var viridis are beneficial herbs that belong to the Brassicaceae family of vegetables. According to research, it is believed that collard green originated from Asia. It is an annual or perennial herb that can be grown and harvested at the end of the season or throughout the season immediately when it matures for harvesting. Collard greens are edible greens that can be consumed as vegetables. Let us understand more about what are collard greens.
Physical Description of Collard Green
Though collard greens are related to other vegetables like broccoli and cabbage their physical appearance is quite different. Collard green is an erected vegetable with branched leaves. It has a maximum height of 1.2m(3.5 ft). They have thick stems and broad dark green leaves with yellow flowers. Sometimes collard greens are referred to as tree cabbage because of their size and height and their familiar properties with cabbage.
Propagation and Growing Of Collard Greens
The Collards greens can be grown from seeds either directly sown in the garden or started indoors 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost date. Seeds should be planted 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep and spaced 18-24 inches apart in rows 2-3 feet apart. Keep soil moist until seeds germinate in 5-12 days at 65-85°F.
It is also possible to propagate collards through cuttings from existing plants. Take 4-6-inch cuttings from the top portions of collard green plants, cutting right below a leaf node. Remove the lower leaves and plant the cuttings 2-3 inches deep in a moist potting mix or directly in the garden. Water frequently until new roots form in 2-3 weeks.
When you want to transplant the collard green seedlings. Just start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date. Transplant seedlings 12-18 inches apart once they are 4-6 inches tall with their first true leaves. Expose transplants to outdoor conditions for a week before transplanting.
The Collards green grows best in full sun and moist, nutrient-rich soil. Provide 1-2 inches of water per week and side-dress with a balanced fertilizer or compost periodically. Harvest outer leaves when 8-10 inches tall. Here are some tips for harvesting collard greens:
How To Harvest Collard Greens
Collards green can be harvested once the leaves are big enough to eat, usually when they are 8-12 inches long. This takes around 60-80 days from sowing seeds. For the best flavor and texture, harvest collards after the plant has been exposed to a light frost.
The most common way is to harvest collard leaves individually by snapping or cutting them off the plant. Remove just the largest, oldest leaves from the bottom of the plant first. Leave the smaller inner leaves and growing tip to continue producing new leaves. Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut or snap each leaf off close to the main stem.
Alternatively, you can harvest the entire plant by cutting it off at the base when it reaches the desired maturity. For a continuous harvest, pick collard leaves every 7-14 days during the growing season. Remove any discolored, damaged, or pest-infested leaves as soon as you see them.
After harvesting, collard leaves can be rinsed with water to remove any dirt or debris. Store unwashed, dry collard leaves in a perforated plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Collard greens can also be blanched and frozen for longer-term storage. By harvesting collard greens regularly, you encourage the plant to keep producing new, tender leaves throughout the season.
What Are Uses Of Collard Greens
1. They are used as green vegetables, the leaves are chopped and cooked down slowly with smoked or cured meats like ham hocks, bacon, or turkey wings which adds flavor. Common seasonings include onions, garlic, vinegar, and chili peppers.
2. The tender young leaves can be used raw in salads, adding texture, color, and nutrition.
3. The large collard green leaves make excellent wrappers for meat, grain, or vegetable fillings, similar to cabbage or lettuce wraps.
4. Chopped collards make a nutritious addition to vegetable, bean, or meat-based soups and stews.
5. The leaves can be juiced along with other vegetables and fruits for a nutrient-packed beverage.
6. Collard greens can be quickly sautéed with olive oil or butter as a simple side dish.
7. The leaves can be dehydrated and seasoned to make crispy, healthy chips or snacks.
Collard greens are an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K as well as folate, calcium, fiber, and antioxidants making them a very healthy addition to one’s diet.
Collard greens can be susceptible to several pests and diseases. Here are some common ones to watch out for.
Common Pests That Are Prone To Collard Greens
1. Aphids
These small sap-sucking insects can occur in large colonies on the undersides of leaves, causing distortion and stunting.
2. Cabbage Loopers
The green caterpillar-like larvae of these moths can heavily defoliate collard plants.
3. Harlequin Bugs
These stink bugs suck plant juices, causing wilting and stunted growth.
4. Cabbage Webworms
The larvae spin webs over the leaves and feed inside, leaving behind holes.
Diseases That Are Prone To Collard Green
1. Alternaria Leaf Spot
This fungal disease causes circular brown spots with target-like rings on leaves.
2. Powdery Mildew
A fungal disease that appears as white powdery growth on leaves, causing them to yellow.
3. Black Legre
A fungal disease that causes sunken cankers at the base of the stem and darkened vascular tissues.
4. Black Rot
Bacterial disease causes yellow, V-shaped lesions and blackening of veins.
5. Clubroot
A soil-borne fungal disease that causes swollen, distorted roots.
How To Control Pest And Diseases That Attack Collard Green
To control pests, use row covers, remove infected plants, rotate crops, and apply insecticidal soaps or oils if needed. For diseases, plant-resistant varieties, improve air circulation, water carefully, and apply approved fungicides. Good cultural practices like crop rotation also help prevent disease build up.
FAQs
1. Which vegetables are collard greens?
Collard greens are members of the cabbage family (Brassica oleracea) and are a staple side dish in Southern cooking. The flavor of collard greens is a cross between cabbage and hearty kale similar to Swiss chard.
2. What is collard green called in South Africa?
In South Africa, collard Green is known as Borecole.
3. What is another name for Collard Green?
Collard Green is also known as Non-heading cabbage or tree cabbage.
4. Is spinach a collard green?
No spinach is not a collard green, it’s just related to the vegetable family to which collard green belongs.
5. What are examples of collard Greens?
Examples of collard greens are Georgia Southern, Vates, Mories Heading, Blue Max, Butter Collard and Groninger Blauw.
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