How to Plant and Grow Mustard and Collard Greens

Southern greens

Collard & mustard greens are a part of the cabbage family. Collard greens are popular in the south, and grow very well in hot weather. Collard and mustard greens do not grow a head like cabbage, but the leaves are what is cooked and eaten. Leaves are thick, dark green, and have a spinach flavor.

Things You'll Need

• seeds
• water
• fertilizer

Instructions

1. 

   Plant seeds directly into the ground, weeks before your last frost date in the spring. Plant seeds approximately 1/4 inch deep, space about 2 feet apart. Collards & mustards can tolerate poor soil, but will grow best in well fertilized soil.

2. 

   Keep soil well watered but not soggy. Collards and mustard greens like sunlight, so plant in an area where the sun will shine on the plants daily.

3. 

   Pick leaves of the collards and mustards as soon as they are large enough. The smaller the leaves the more tender and succulent the plants will be. Picking leaves after a frost tends to improve the flavor. Discard leaves showing signs of browning or yellowing. Wash collard and mustards several times before eating. Plants tend to hold dirt.