Champion

Family: Brassicaceae Vegetable

Sink your senses into Champion’s lush, deep-green leaves—thick, velvety, and richly veined, with a gentle sweetness that lingers as it cooks down into a satisfying tenderness.

At maturity in about 60 days, this collard forms a sturdy, upright clump that holds its quality beautifully, delivering a dependable harvest for steaming, simmering, and hearty skillet-style dishes. Grow Champion for a bold, garden-to-table staple with a satisfying bite and a smooth, savory finish in sauces and braises.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 60 DaysHabit: Rosette

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 28th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 18th
Harvest Begins	Jun 17th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	60
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	45
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	30
Harden Off (days)	6

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Champion collards cook down into tender, velvety leaves with enough structure to hold up in braises and thick stews. If you’re after that classic “potlikker” savor, pair it with smoky fat and a bright hit of vinegar or citrus right at the end.

Best Uses

long simmer or braise in bacon-fat broth for silky-soft ribs of leaf
steam then finish in a hot skillet to keep a hearty bite
stews and greens bowls where it needs backbone (potlikker-style)
purée-collard filling or stirred into creamy beans for a spoonable thickness

Flavor Profile

gentle sweetness that blooms as it cooks deep-green, savory bitterness mellowed by braise thick, velvety leaf texture that turns tender without collapsing rich, slightly peppery brassica finish

Kitchen Pairings

smoked pork black pepper lemon juice olive oil white beans vinegar

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most often affects Brassica oleracea (collards) like Champion, and how can I manage it?

Watch for cabbage worms (green/gray caterpillars) and aphids, which commonly damage Brassica oleracea leaves. Hand-pick caterpillars early, spray the undersides with insecticidal soap for aphids, and use row cover until plants are well established to reduce egg-laying. If you see leaf spots or mildew, remove the worst leaves and avoid overhead watering to keep foliage dry.

How often should I water Champion collards during peak growth (around weeks 3–8)?

During the main growth phase, keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy—aim for about 1–2 inches of water per week total depending on your weather. Water deeply when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry, focusing on the root zone to prevent leaf disease. Mulch helps maintain even moisture, which supports steady leaf production by ~day 60.

How do I know when Champion collards are ready to harvest?

Harvest when leaves are firm and reach a usable size, typically around 60 days from transplanting/sowing. Pick outer leaves first—thick, fully colored leaves—leaving the center to keep producing. If leaves start to look tough or overly bitter, harvest promptly rather than waiting longer.