Quick Reference:

Plant seed 1/8 to 1/4 inch deep spaced 1 to 2 inches apart. Germination: 5 to 14 days. Plant spacing in the garden, 10 to 12 inches. Shallow planting provides warmer soil but soil MUST be kept moist at all times until seedlings emerge.

When and where to grow:

Collards grow well in Alaska's cool weather and can be planted soon as the soil can be prepared and has warmed in the spring. Seed is usually planted directly in the garden but for an early crop seed can be started indoors 4 to 5 weeks before the last frost. In a sunny location, cultivate soil, enrich with plant food, smooth the soil surface, plant seed, firm soil over seed and keep moist until seedlings emerge.

Care:

Water as soil starts to dry out, keep weed free and apply plant food every 4 to 6 weeks. Thin plants so they are 10 to 12 inches apart.

Harvest: When plants are young cook the entire leafy portion, as the plant gets older, harvest the young tender leaves. Flavor is sweeter when the weather is cool and after a frost.