Whereas freezing temperatures and a snow-covered floor could sign the primary rising season is over, it doesn’t must imply the top of recent backyard greens.
Collard greens specifically thrive in chilly climate, which is fortunate for me, since there isn’t a lot I get pleasure from greater than scorching up a pan of recent homegrown collards in some garlic butter.
We hyperlink to distributors that will help you discover related merchandise. Should you purchase from certainly one of our hyperlinks, we could earn a fee.
Learn on to discover ways to hold collard greens rising sturdy after a frost.
Will Frost Kill Collard Greens?
Collards, Brassica oleracea var. acephala, are essentially the most chilly hardy of all of the Brassica species.
These members of the Brassicaceae household are extremely frost tolerant and might survive temperatures right down to the higher teenagers.
The truth is, frost really improves their style as chilly temperatures set off the plant to transform the starches within the foliage to sugars which produces a sweeter taste and a extra tender texture.
Nevertheless, a tough freeze will kill the crops – however there are steps you’ll be able to take to guard them.
This extremely hardy crop can proceed to be harvested even after the leaves have frozen, which makes them a super option to plant for a dose of wholesome greens within the colder months.
The best way to Develop Collards for a Winter Harvest
Collards are a biennial that usually overwinter in USDA Hardiness Zones 8-10, although in a gentle yr they could even survive in colder zones unassisted.
I as soon as grew collard greens in my Zone 6 backyard that survived by way of the winter with out safety and resumed development the subsequent yr!
Should you reside in a heat local weather, the perfect time to plant is in fall for a harvest all through the winter months. For finest outcomes, you’ll must know your first common frost date.
You’ll be able to direct seed out within the backyard in late summer season or early fall, relying in your location. Your objective is to sow seeds in time in order that your crop is able to harvest after one or two gentle frosts however earlier than the primary killer freeze.
Verify your seed packet to find out the time to maturity of your chosen cultivar – that is usually between 55 and 75 days.
Be taught extra in regards to the totally different forms of collard greens on this roundup.
In very heat areas, you can begin seeds indoors to transplant out into the backyard about eight weeks earlier than your common first frost date. This may fluctuate a little bit, relying in your chosen cultivar.
Select a location that will get at the very least 4 or 5 hours of sunshine per day.
See our information for extra details about easy methods to develop collard greens.
Since this plant is a biennial, when spring arrives and the climate warms up, crops will bolt and set seed.
You should still have the ability to harvest at this level however the leaves could turn into robust and bitter and you could be higher off simply beginning a brand new crop.
Lengthen the Season in Chilly Climates
In colder areas, Zones 7 and beneath, there are a selection of steps you’ll be able to take to maintain your collards producing for so long as doable into the winter months.
Season extension strategies, resembling constructing chilly frames or hoop homes may be helpful to guard your greens from snow and tremendous chilly temperatures.
There are a lot of choices for safeguarding crops from chilly, typically utilizing supplies you could have already got in your yard, resembling outdated window glass or sheets.
I constructed mini chilly frames for my collards utilizing outdated home windows and a few scrap wooden. I made picket frames about two toes tall and the width and size of the home windows, and set the home windows on hinges on the prime so they might simply swing open and shut.
See our information for extra details about DIY chilly frames and greenhouses.
I additionally surrounded my crops with loads of shredded leaves to maintain them properly insulated.
Straw works properly as chilly season mulching materials. Every time I need to harvest some greens, I merely open the window and seize just a few leaves. It’s as straightforward as that! All I’ve to recollect to do is brush off the snow when it accumulates on prime.
You can even use floating row covers on prime of your chosen mulching materials.
You’ll be able to be taught extra about winter mulching for chilly tolerant crops on this information.
Freshen Up These Winter Stews
With a little bit of preparation and a few additional steps I’ve nutritious garden-fresh collard greens to throw in winter stews and stir fries any time I need!
They’re additionally scrumptious served as a aspect dish on this recipe for creamed collards, on our sister web site, Foodal.
Have you ever grown collard greens in chilly climate? Share your ideas within the feedback part beneath!
And for extra details about rising cruciferous crops in your backyard, take a look at these guides subsequent: