Georgia Southern

Sink your senses into Georgia Southern’s richly textured leaves—deep, velvety green with a bold, slightly sweet edge that feels substantial in the garden.

At maturity, plants form an upright, sturdy rosette of broad foliage with a satisfying thickness that holds its character beautifully for hearty, slow-simmered flavor, robust braises, and savory sauces. Grow this dependable 70-day collard for a steady harvest that turns everyday meals into true Southern table favorites.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 70 DaysHabit: Rosette

Botanical illustration of Georgia Southern

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

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 18th
Harvest Begins	Jun 27th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	70
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)	28
Harden Off (days)	6

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Georgia Southern collards bring broad, thick leaves that don’t melt away—they chew back. Give them smoke, salt, and a little acid, and they turn silky without losing their body, making them the greens you want to eat with a fork.

Best Uses

low-and-slow Southern-style braise with smoky fat and salty broth
slow-simmered greens for pot liquor—stays intact instead of collapsing
chopped-collard sautéed hard and fast, then finished with a splash of vinegar
thickening greens into savory stews and gravy-like sauces

Flavor Profile

deep, velvety green bitterness slightly sweet, cabbage-like savor substantial, thick leaf that stays firm tender when braised with a meaty chew

Kitchen Pairings

smoked pork or smoked turkey vinegar or fresh lemon juice hot pepper flakes black pepper backbone-sturdy beans like cannellini or pinto cornbread

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I manage common pests on Georgia Southern (Brassica oleracea var. viridis) like cabbage worms and aphids?

Inspect undersides of leaves every 2–3 days because larvae of cabbage worms and flea beetle damage often shows up first as tiny holes and chewing. Hand-pick visible worms and spray with insecticidal soap for aphids; for heavier pressure, use a row cover until plants are well established (young brassicas are most vulnerable). Avoid letting weeds host brassica pests around your beds, since these pests readily move to nearby hosts.

How often should I water Georgia Southern during the main growing phase?

During the 6–8 weeks of active leaf growth, keep soil consistently moist but not soggy—aim for about 1 inch of water per week total, split into 2–3 waterings if it’s hot or windy. Check by pressing a finger into the soil 1–2 inches down: water when it feels dry at that depth. Water evenly to prevent stress-related bitterness and irregular growth.

When is Georgia Southern ready to harvest, and how do I know?

Harvest at about 70 days when leaves are firm and fully sized for your planting spacing, with the outer leaves large and crisp rather than limp. If you’re cutting outer leaves, pick from the outside first and leave the center growing point intact for continued harvest; if you harvest all at once, do it when the rosette/plant looks fully developed.