What hardiness zones is Brassica oleracea 'Georgia Southern' suitable for?

Brassica oleracea 'Georgia Southern' is an annual (or biennial in mild climates) leafy green reaching 24-36 inches (60-90 cm) tall with a spread of 24-30 inches (60-75 cm) and an upright, open, non-heading rosette habit on a thick central stem. A traditional Southern US heirloom collard, it produces large, thick, smooth, blue-green, paddle-shaped leaves 10-14 inches (25-35 cm) long and 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) wide on long petioles—the classic collard green leaf. Does not form a head—leaves are harvested individually from the bottom up. Days to maturity 60-80 from transplant (baby greens at 30 days). Growth rate is moderate to fast. Extremely cold-tolerant—survives to 15°F (-9°C). Flavor sweetens markedly after frost. Heat-tolerant for a brassica—produces through summer in much of the US.

Native Range

Brassica oleracea (acephala group—collards) descended from wild cabbage native to coastal Europe. 'Georgia Southern' is a traditional Southern US heirloom, widely grown since at least the 1800s.

Suggested Uses

Grown in vegetable gardens for culinary use—braising, sautéing, stews, soups, Southern cooking. Large smooth paddle-shaped leaves. Cut-and-come-again harvest for months. Cold-tolerant to 15°F—flavor sweetens after frost. Heat-tolerant. Southern US heirloom. 60-80 days. Not suitable for raw salad use at full size (leaves are thick and coarse).

How to Identify

Distinguished from kale by the smooth, broad, paddle-shaped (versus curly or lacinato) leaves. Distinguished from cabbage by the open rosette (versus tight head) habit. Distinguished from 'Vates' collards by the taller stature (24-36 versus 18-24 inches) and the larger leaves. Georgia Southern collards—large smooth paddle-shaped blue-green leaves, non-heading, extremely cold-tolerant 15°F, heat-tolerant, Southern US heirloom.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2' - 3'

Width/Spread2' - 2'6"

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

blue

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Yellow four-petaled flowers on tall stalks in second year or if vernalized. Harvest leaves before bolting. Some plants overwinter and bolt in spring.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Yellow; four-petaled; bolting in second year

Foliage Description

Blue-green; large thick smooth paddle-shaped 10-14 × 8-10 inches; on long petioles

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun Partial Shade

Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam clay

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

60-80 days from transplant (baby greens 30 days)

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Start seed indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost, or direct sow in spring or late summer. Transplant or thin to 18-24 inches (45-60 cm). Rich, moist, well-drained soil (pH 6.0-7.5). Heavy feeder. Days to maturity 60-80 from transplant; baby greens at 30 days. Harvest lower leaves individually—plant continues producing. Extremely cold-tolerant to 15°F (-9°C). More heat-tolerant than most brassicas—produces through Southern US summers.

Pruning

Harvest lower leaves from bottom up as they reach full size—leave growing tip and upper leaves. Plant continues producing for months. Remove yellowing lower leaves.