Ole Timey Blue

Family: Brassicaceae Vegetable

Ole Timey Blue unfurls with a cool, velvety allure—deep blue-green leaves that look almost dusted in mist, then soften into a tender, succulent bite.

The foliage forms a sturdy, upright rosette with broad, spooned blades and a pleasantly substantial texture that holds its character through the season. Grow it for bold, leafy abundance in hearty greens preparations, from steaming-forward favorites to vibrant sautés and richly flavored sauces, where its color and body truly shine.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 70 DaysHabit: Rosette

Botanical illustration of Ole Timey Blue

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 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)	32
Harden Off (days)	6

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Ole Timey Blue collards bring that deep blue-green body that stays chew-able after heat, so they don’t turn to sad, stringy mulch. Pick them for braises and sauté-pan jobs where you want a velvety bite and a sweet-savory finish that can handle bold, smoky fats and sharp acid.

Best Uses

braise or steam until silky, then finish with a slick of fat and acid
sauté hard and fast so the leaves stay plush instead of collapsing into mush
use in smoked-style greens preparations where the color can stand up to heat
blend into a thick, hearty purée or potlikker-style sauce

Flavor Profile

cool, vegetal sweetness gentle bitterness with a tender-savory edge velvety chew—substantial but not woody

Kitchen Pairings

bacon smoked ham apple cider vinegar lemon black pepper butter

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the most common disease pest issue for Brassica oleracea (ole timey blue) and how do I treat it?

Watch for caterpillars (cabbage worms/loopers) and aphids, which target Brassica oleracea foliage and can leave holes or sticky residue. Hand-pick larvae early, then use row covers until plants are well established; if needed, spray an insecticidal soap or Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) according to the label, focusing on the undersides of leaves. Also keep an eye out for clubroot and black rot (both Brassica diseases); avoid planting in the same spot year after year and remove infected plants promptly to protect the rest of the bed.

How often should I water Brassica oleracea during the main growth phase?

During active leaf growth (roughly weeks 2–8), keep soil evenly moist—aim for about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week, split into 2–3 waterings if it’s hot or windy. Water deeply so moisture reaches the root zone, and don’t let the top several inches dry out completely, which can stunt growth and make leaves tougher. Mulch lightly to reduce surface drying, especially in full sun.

How can I tell when ole timey blue Brassica oleracea is ready to harvest?

Harvest at about 70 days when plants have reached full size and the edible tops are firm and well-formed for your harvest style. If it’s a “top bunch” type, pick when the side shoots and tender outer leaves are substantial but before leaves become overly tough or begins to look stretched and loose. In warm weather, check every 1–2 days near maturity to catch the best tenderness.