Tiger Collards

Brassica oleracea ‘Tiger’

Characteristics

Culture

Tiger Collards are hardy, upright, slow bolting and very uniform. The leaves are slightly savoyed, thick and deep blue-green with wavy edges. They regrow quickly after harvesting. This is an improved Georgia type.  Sow seeds directly in early spring or in late summer for a fall crop or start indoors 5 to 7 weeks before setting out. If you want tall plants with full-sized leaves to harvest all at once space the seedlings 15 inches apart. For smaller plants with leaves that can be picked as they arise, space them just 6 to 8 inches apart.

Collards require moderate amounts of fertilizer. Nitrogen is essential for collards to produce high-quality leaves. A soil test is always the best method of determining the fertilization needs of the crop. 

Noteworthy Characteristics

Tiger Hybrid Collards mature earlier and are more productive than Top Bunch and Bulldog which they replace. These collards are wonderfully tolerant of both heat and cold; in fact, their flavor is sweetened by a little frost. This variety was bred to be slow to bolt.

Problems

Several caterpillars (imported cabbageworm, cabbage looper, diamondback moth caterpillar), and harlequin bugs are the major insect problems. Aphids may be an occasional problem, most commonly in the fall.  Click here for more information about disease issues and pests.

Uses

Beds, Cuisine, Foliage Interest, Outdoor, and Winter Interest.