What are the sun requirements for Brassica oleracea var. viridis 'Vates'?

Brassica oleracea var. viridis 'Vates' requires Full Sun.

How much water does Brassica oleracea var. viridis 'Vates' need?

Brassica oleracea var. viridis 'Vates' has Medium water needs.

Brassica oleracea var. viridis viridis 'Vates'

Vates Collard Greens

Cultivar developed at the Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station (1940s); the species B. oleracea is native to Mediterranean and Atlantic coastal Europe

At a Glance

TypeAnnual

HabitUpright

FoliageDeciduous

Height12-18 inches (30-45 cm)

Width15-20 inches (38-50 cm)

Maturity1 years

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Deer Resistant Container Friendly

Maintenancelow

Overview

Brassica oleracea var. viridis 'Vates' is Vates collard greens, a compact cool-season annual forming an upright open rosette 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) tall and 15-20 inches (38-50 cm) wide. Thick smooth waxy blue-green paddle-shaped leaves 12-15 inches (30-38 cm) long with prominent white to light green midribs. The smooth flat surface with no curling or serration distinguishes collards from kale (which is curly or savoyed). In the mustard family (Brassicaceae). The botanical variety viridis designates collards within B. oleracea. Open-pollinated (non-heading). Developed at the Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station (1940s) for compact habit and cold tolerance. The flavor and tenderness improve after frost exposure (starches convert to sugars). Cool-season crop: bolts in sustained heat above 80°F (27°C). More heat-tolerant than kale — a staple in southeastern US gardens where summers are too hot for kale. Harvest outer leaves by cut-and-come-again starting at 6-8 inches (15-20 cm), or full-size at 70-75 days. Contains goitrogens (reduced by cooking). Cabbage worms (Pieris rapae), aphids, and flea beetles are the primary pests. Deer-resistant. Non-toxic (edible crop). Full sun to partial shade. Annual. Growth rate is moderate.

Native Range

Cultivar developed at the Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station (1940s). The species B. oleracea is native to Mediterranean and Atlantic coastal Europe.

Suggested Uses

Grown in vegetable gardens, raised beds, and containers of at least 5 gallons (19 L). Cool-season crop — spring and fall. More heat-tolerant than kale. Open-pollinated — save seeds. Deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Annual.

How to Identify

Identified by thick smooth waxy blue-green paddle-shaped leaves with white midribs in an upright open rosette — no curling, frilling, or serration. The smooth flat leaf surface distinguishes collards from kale. Non-heading. Var. viridis. In Brassicaceae.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 1'6"

Width/Spread1'3" - 1'8"

Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks

Spring Summer

Bolts in sustained heat or in the second year — bright yellow 4-petaled cruciform flowers. Bolting makes leaves bitter. Flowering is undesirable. Pinch flower buds.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Bright yellow, 4-petaled (cruciform), in terminal clusters when bolting

Foliage Description

Blue-green, thick smooth waxy surface, broad paddle-shaped, 12-15 inches (30-38 cm) long, with prominent white to light green midribs; completely smooth margins — no curling, frilling, or serration

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun Partial Shade

Requires 4-10 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

Drainagemoist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

70-75 days from seed to full-size leaf; 40-50 days for baby leaf

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Full sun to partial shade. Rich moist soil pH 6.0-7.5. Cool-season crop — bolts above 80 degrees F (27 degrees C). More heat-tolerant than kale. Flavor improves after frost. Open-pollinated — save seeds. Contains goitrogens. Cabbage worms, aphids, flea beetles. Deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Annual.

Pruning

Harvest outer leaves by cut-and-come-again starting at 6-8 inches (15-20 cm). Leave the central growing point intact. Remove bolting stalks and flower buds. Remove yellowed or pest-damaged leaves.