Brassica oleracea 'Georgia Southern', Georgia Southern Collard Greens
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Annuals

Brassica oleracea 'Georgia Southern'

Georgia Southern Collard Greens

BrassicaceaeEurope

At a Glance

Typeannual
Habitupright rosette
Foliagedeciduous
Height24-36 inches
Width18-24 inches

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

3a - 10b
Zone 3a
Zone 3b
Zone 4a
Zone 4b
Zone 5a
Zone 5b
Zone 6a
Zone 6b
Zone 7a
Zone 7b
Zone 8a
Zone 8b
Zone 9a
Zone 9b
Zone 10a
Zone 10b
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Container Friendly
Maintenancelow

Overview

Brassica oleracea 'Georgia Southern' is a robust, cool-season vegetable cultivar renowned for its exceptional heat tolerance and outstanding performance in southern climates. This traditional heirloom variety produces large, dark blue-green leaves that are thick, smooth, and wavy-edged, forming a loose rosette that can reach impressive heights. The leaves have a distinctive vein pattern and maintain their tender texture even as they mature, making them ideal for both fresh eating and cooking. Developed specifically for southern growing conditions, Brassica oleracea 'Georgia Southern' demonstrates remarkable bolt resistance and continues producing harvestable leaves well into hot summer months when other collard varieties would typically decline. The plant develops a sturdy central stem that supports the large leaves, and unlike many brassicas, it rarely produces flowers during its primary growing season when properly managed. This cultivar is particularly valued for its mild, sweet flavor that becomes even more pronounced after exposure to light frost.

Native Range

Brassica oleracea is native to the coastal regions of western and southern Europe, particularly the Mediterranean basin and Atlantic coasts of France, Spain, and the British Isles. The 'Georgia Southern' cultivar was developed in the southeastern United States, specifically adapted to the hot, humid conditions of the American South.

Suggested Uses

Brassica oleracea 'Georgia Southern' works well in vegetable gardens, raised beds, and large containers as both a food crop and ornamental foliage plant. Excellent for traditional southern cooking, braising, steaming, and adding to soups and stews. The large, attractive leaves also make it suitable for edible landscaping and ornamental vegetable gardens. Ideal for succession planting to ensure continuous harvest, and particularly valuable for fall and winter gardens in milder climates where it can overwinter successfully.

How to Identify

Brassica oleracea 'Georgia Southern' can be identified by its distinctive large, flat, blue-green leaves that measure 10-14 inches long and 8-10 inches wide with prominent white midribs and veining. The leaves have a smooth, waxy surface with slightly wavy or ruffled edges and grow in a loose rosette formation around a central stem. Unlike kale, the leaves are flat rather than curly, and unlike cabbage, they do not form a tight head. The plant maintains a more open, upright growth habit compared to other collard varieties, and the leaves have a characteristic thick, succulent texture that distinguishes them from other brassicas.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2' - 3'
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

blue
green

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
SpringSummer
late spring to early summer (second year if overwintered)

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

yellow (if allowed to bolt)

Foliage Description

dark blue-green with prominent white veins

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
• 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
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

moderate to high

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

60-75 days

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Brassica oleracea 'Georgia Southern' requires consistent moisture and fertile, well-draining soil rich in organic matter for optimal growth. Water deeply 1-2 times per week, providing approximately 1-1.5 inches of water weekly, ensuring soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. Feed with a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) at planting, then side-dress with nitrogen-rich fertilizer every 3-4 weeks during the growing season. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds, keeping mulch 2-3 inches away from the base of the plant. Monitor for common brassica pests like cabbage worms, flea beetles, and aphids, using row covers during early growth stages for protection.

Pruning

Brassica oleracea 'Georgia Southern' requires minimal pruning but benefits from regular harvesting and maintenance. Begin harvesting outer leaves when they reach 8-10 inches long, cutting them cleanly at the base with sharp scissors or knife, which encourages continued production from the growing center. Remove any yellowing, damaged, or diseased leaves promptly to maintain plant health and vigor. If flower stalks begin to form (bolting), remove them immediately to redirect energy back into leaf production, though this cultivar is naturally bolt-resistant. In fall plantings, remove any frost-damaged outer leaves while leaving the hardy inner leaves to continue growing.

Pruning Schedule

fall

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Brassica oleracea 'Georgia Southern' is generally safe for human consumption when properly prepared, though raw consumption in very large quantities may interfere with thyroid function due to naturally occurring goitrogens. The leaves are safe for most pets in small quantities but may cause digestive upset if consumed in large amounts. As with all brassicas, individuals taking blood-thinning medications should consult healthcare providers due to high vitamin K content.

Planting Guide

Planting Methods & Timing

Planting Method

both

Indoor Start

4 weeks before last frost

Direct Sow Timing

early spring after soil can be worked, or late summer for fall harvest

Days to Maturity

60–75 days

Plant Spacing

18 inches

Companion Planting

Good Companions

tomatoes
peppers
onions
garlic
herbs
lettuce
spinach

Avoid Planting With

strawberries
pole beans
fennel
Brassica oleracea 'Georgia Southern' (Georgia Southern Collard Greens) - Identification & Care Guide | PlantRef