Understanding Tree Collards

Tree collards have gotten complicated with all the permaculture hype and conflicting growing advice flying around. As someone who has grown these towering perennial greens for the past five years, I learned everything there is to know about what makes them special and how to keep them thriving. Today, I will share it all with you.

What Makes Tree Collards Different

Unlike their annual or biennial relatives, tree collards keep producing for years with proper care. They’re technically a type of kale, part of the Brassica oleracea family, but they behave completely differently in the garden.

These plants can reach up to 10 feet tall. The leaves are large, flat, and slightly crinkled — either dark green or purple depending on variety. The stalks are thick and sturdy enough to support all that weight. I’m apparently one of those people who finds their tree-like structure oddly beautiful in a vegetable garden.

Where They’ll Grow

Tree collards do best in USDA Hardiness Zones 7-10. They prefer full sun but tolerate partial shade. Well-drained soil is critical — soggy roots spell disaster.

That’s what makes tree collards endearing to us perennial vegetable enthusiasts — plant once, harvest for years.

Amend your soil with compost before planting. Maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging. Probably should have led with this: if your soil stays wet after rain, pick a different spot.

Starting New Plants

Here’s a surprise for seed-starting folks: tree collards don’t come true from seed. You propagate from cuttings instead.

Cut a healthy 6-8 inch stem from an established plant. Remove lower leaves and stick it in water or directly into moist soil. Rooting hormone helps speed things along. Roots typically form within a few weeks, and then you can transplant.

Planting Tips That Actually Matter

• Space plants 2-3 feet apart — they get big
• Plant in early spring or fall for best establishment
• Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds
• Water regularly, especially during dry periods

Ongoing Care

Tree collards need minimal maintenance once established. Prune to encourage fresh leaf growth and prevent that leggy, stretched look. Remove yellowing or damaged leaves promptly.

Fertilize every few months with an organic balanced fertilizer. They’re heavy feeders when actively producing leaves.

Pests and Problems

Aphids, cabbage worms, and slugs are the usual suspects. Insecticidal soap or neem oil handles most infestations. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs — they’ll do ongoing pest patrol for you.

Rotate where you plant brassicas to prevent soil-borne diseases from building up. Fungal issues happen when air circulation is poor or moisture sits on leaves too long. Give plants room to breathe.

Harvesting Year-Round

Regular harvesting actually encourages more growth. Start with the outer, older leaves. Leave the inner growth to continue developing.

Young tender leaves work great raw in salads. Older leaves are tougher and better suited for cooking — sauteed, in soups, or added to stews.

Ways to Use Them

• Raw in salads and slaws (young leaves)
• Sauteed with garlic and good olive oil
• Added to soups and stews for extra nutrition
• Blended into smoothies if you’re into that

Why They’re Worth Growing

Tree collards are nutritional powerhouses. High in vitamins A, C, and K. Significant calcium, iron, and fiber. Good for bones, immunity, and digestion.

Beyond personal health, perennial plants like these benefit the environment. Deep root systems improve soil structure. They reduce erosion and support biodiversity. Growing them contributes to a more resilient garden ecosystem.

Cultural Significance

Tree collards hold special meaning in African American and Southern food traditions. They appear in heritage recipes and connect people to culinary history. Community gardens often grow them as symbols of sustainability and resilience. Sharing cuttings helps preserve this remarkable plant for future generations.

The Bottom Line

Tree collards reward patience and minimal effort with years of nutritious harvests. Their unique growth habit and staying power make them valuable additions to any food garden. Get the basics right and they’ll keep producing long after annual crops have come and gone.