Vates Collards

Brassica oleracea Seeds per pack ~100 Germination: 91% (Packed for 2026) Origins and HistoryVates Collards (Brassica oleracea var. viridis) are a beloved heirloom variety developed in the United States during the 1950s by the Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station (V.A.T.E.S., from which the variety gets its name). It was bred to be slow to bolt and especially cold-hardy, making it ideal for Southern growers looking to extend their harvests into the cooler months. Vates Collards are part of a long tradition of African American and Southern agricultural heritage, with deep roots in both subsistence farming and culinary culture. Appearance and CharacteristicsVates Collards produce compact, non-heading rosettes of dark green, smooth, and slightly crinkled leaves. The plants typically grow 18–24 inches tall and spread out with a broad, leafy habit. This variety is known for its uniformity and smaller size compared to other collards, making it well-suited for tighter garden spaces. The le