Brassica oleracea 'Vates', Vates Collard Greens
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Vegetables

Brassica oleracea 'Vates'

Vates Collard Greens

BrassicaceaeEurope

At a Glance

Typevegetable
Habitupright rosette
Foliagedeciduous
Height12-18 inches
Width15-20 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

Attracts Pollinators
Attracts Butterflies
Deer Resistant
Container Friendly
Maintenancemoderate

Overview

Brassica oleracea 'Vates' is a remarkably hardy and compact cultivar of collard greens specifically developed for cooler growing conditions and shorter seasons. This robust vegetable forms a distinctive upright rosette of thick, substantial leaves that are characteristically smooth and waxy with an attractive blue-green coloration. The paddle-shaped leaves feature prominent white to light green midribs and can reach 12-15 inches in length at full maturity, creating an impressive crown of nutritious foliage. Unlike its close relative cabbage, Brassica oleracea 'Vates' maintains an open, non-heading growth habit that allows for continuous harvest throughout the growing season. The plant develops a strong, sturdy central stem capable of supporting the heavy, dense foliage, typically reaching 12-18 inches in both height and spread. When allowed to bolt in late spring or early summer, Brassica oleracea 'Vates' produces tall, branched flowering stalks adorned with clusters of small, four-petaled yellow flowers that are characteristic of the mustard family, followed by slender seed pods. This cultivar is particularly prized for its exceptional cold tolerance, actually improving in flavor after exposure to light frosts as starches convert to sugars.

Native Range

Brassica oleracea originated in the Mediterranean region and along the Atlantic coasts of western and southern Europe, where wild forms can still be found growing naturally on rocky cliffs and coastal areas. The 'Vates' cultivar itself was developed much later in the United States during the 1940s at the Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station, where it was specifically bred for improved cold tolerance and compact growth habit.

Suggested Uses

Brassica oleracea 'Vates' excels in traditional vegetable gardens, raised bed systems, and large containers with adequate drainage. This cultivar is particularly well-suited for fall and winter gardens in mild climate zones, and serves as an excellent cool-season crop for spring and fall plantings in areas experiencing hot summers. The compact growth habit makes it ideal for small-space gardening and intensive planting schemes. Young, tender leaves can be harvested for fresh salad use, while mature leaves are perfect for traditional cooking methods. Plant in succession every 2-3 weeks to ensure continuous harvest throughout the growing season, and consider interplanting with other cool-season vegetables for efficient space utilization.

How to Identify

Brassica oleracea 'Vates' can be readily identified by its distinctive compact, non-heading growth pattern featuring thick, smooth, blue-green leaves arranged in an open rosette formation. The leaves are characteristically broad and paddle-shaped with prominent white or light green midribs running through the center and completely smooth margins without any curling, frilling, or serration. Unlike kale varieties, the foliage is entirely smooth and waxy to the touch. The plant maintains a sturdy, upright posture typically measuring 12-18 inches tall and 15-20 inches wide at maturity. During the flowering phase, Brassica oleracea 'Vates' produces distinctively branched stems topped with clusters of small, bright yellow, four-petaled flowers, followed by narrow seed pods typical of the Brassicaceae family.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 1'6"
Width/Spread1'3" - 1'8"

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 when allowed to bolt

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

bright yellow

Foliage Description

blue-green with white to light green midribs

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
moist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

moderate, consistent moisture

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

70-75 days

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Brassica oleracea 'Vates' thrives with consistent, even moisture throughout the growing season, requiring approximately 1 to 1.5 inches of water weekly through deep, regular watering sessions. Maintain steady soil moisture to prevent plant stress that can lead to premature bolting or the development of tough, bitter-tasting leaves. Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting time, then side-dress with nitrogen-rich fertilizer 3-4 weeks after transplanting to support vigorous leaf development. Mulching around plants helps retain soil moisture and suppress competing weeds. Monitor regularly for common brassica pests including cabbage worms, flea beetles, and aphids, utilizing row covers during the vulnerable seedling stage if necessary. In regions with intense summer heat, provide afternoon shade to prevent premature bolting and maintain optimal leaf quality and tenderness.

Pruning

Brassica oleracea 'Vates' benefits from regular harvesting practices rather than traditional pruning methods. Begin harvesting the outer leaves when they reach 6-8 inches in length, always ensuring the central growing point remains intact to continue production. Remove any yellowing, damaged, or diseased leaves promptly to maintain overall plant health and appearance. If flower stalks begin to develop and you wish to continue leaf production, remove them immediately by cutting cleanly at the base. For gardeners interested in seed collection, allow one or two selected plants to bolt completely and flower naturally while continuing to harvest from the remaining plants.

Maintenance Level

moderate

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 5 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Brassica oleracea 'Vates' is completely safe for human consumption and is widely cultivated as a highly nutritious leafy green vegetable rich in vitamins A, C, and K. However, like other members of the brassica family, it contains naturally occurring compounds called goitrogens that may interfere with thyroid function if consumed in extremely large quantities, particularly when eaten raw over extended periods. The plant is generally considered safe for most pets when consumed in small amounts, though large quantities may cause mild digestive upset in sensitive animals. As with any new food, introduce gradually and consult with a veterinarian if concerns arise.

Planting Guide

Planting Methods & Timing

Planting Method

both

Indoor Start

4 weeks before last frost

Direct Sow Timing

early spring 2-4 weeks before last frost, or late summer for fall harvest

Days to Maturity

70–75 days

Plant Spacing

18 inches

Companion Planting

Good Companions

tomatoes
onions
lettuce
spinach
carrots
beets
herbs
broccoli
cauliflower

Avoid Planting With

strawberries
pole beans
peppers
fennel