Top Bunch

Family: Brassicaceae Vegetable

Tender, fast-growing collards of the Top Bunch variety form a tight, upright crown that’s a joy to harvest—lush leaves with a deep, velvety green sheen and a pleasantly bold, peppery bite.

The texture stays pleasantly substantial yet not tough, making these leaves especially satisfying for steaming, braising, and quick skillet-style simmering, as well as for hearty sauces and pickling-style preparations. Ideal for warm-season gardens, Top Bunch reaches maturity in about 50 days, delivering a concentrated burst of greens from a neat, garden-friendly plant.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 50 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 25th
Harvest Begins	Jun 14th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	50
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

Top Bunch collards bring a peppery, brassica snap without turning chewy—so they hold up under short heat and still taste alive. Braise or steam with an acid touch (vinegar/citrus) and they’ll stay lush and silky rather than aggressively bitter.

Best Uses

steam then finish with butter and black pepper
braise with a splash of vinegar to tame bitterness
quick skillet-style simmering for wilted greens that don’t go stringy
chop and fold into hearty greens sauces or pickling-style preparations

Flavor Profile

bold peppery bite tender-still-substantial leaf texture deep green, slightly bitter backbone clean, savory finish

Kitchen Pairings

bacon or smoked pork olive oil lemon or sherry vinegar red pepper flakes parmesan black pepper

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Brassica oleracea var. viridis (Top Bunch), and how can I stop it?

Watch for cabbage worms (often cabbage loopers or imported cabbageworm larvae) and aphids, which can skeletonize leaves and leave sticky residue. Hand-pick caterpillars early, spray plants with insecticidal soap for aphids, and use row cover over transplants until plants are well established to prevent egg-laying. If you see yellowing with blackened stems or wilt, remove affected plants promptly and avoid wet foliage to reduce spread of fungal diseases.

How often should I water Top Bunch during its main growing phase?

During the 30–50 day leaf-bunching phase, keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, aiming for even moisture across the root zone. Water deeply about 1–2 times per week, then adjust to heat and rainfall so the top 1 inch of soil dries slightly between waterings. Mulch helps prevent the swings that cause bitter flavor and uneven leaf growth in Brassicaceae.

How do I know when Top Bunch is ready to harvest?

Harvest when plants reach about 50 days from sowing/transplanting and the leaf bunch is firm and well-filled, with leaves still tender (not overly coarse). Cut the bunch at the base with a sharp knife in the morning for best texture, and avoid waiting until flowering begins. For a second harvest if your type supports it, you can leave a few outer leaves and keep moisture steady after the cut.