SPECIES: Brassica oleracea

SIZE: 24 inches wide; 24-36 inches tall.

DESCRIPTION: Typically, open growth habit that looks like nonheading cabbage; wide blue-green smooth leaves. Lower, older leaves droop; upper leaves cupped.

Annual cool-season, frost-hardy vegetable.

VARIETIES: Vates and Georgia, non-heading varieties. Morris Improved Heading forms head similar to cabbage.

CULTURE: Full sun. Like rich, well-drained, medium-moist soil. Prefers pH or soil acidity of 5.5-6.8. Place transplants 12 to 18 inches apart. Fall planting: 8-10 weeks before first expected frost; spring: four weeks before to two weeks after last expected frost. Light frosts make leaves taste better; plants can be grown in containers. Collards also tolerate heat. Need 1 inch water per week from rain or watering.

FERTILIZER: Medium feeder; apply 1 1/2 ounces of 33-0-0 per 10-foot row along sides of plants when they are 4-6 inches tall. Benefit from foliage spray of liquid seaweed extract two to three times during growing season.

HARVEST: Small, tender leaves cook nicely. Avoid cutting terminal growth - the tip of the branch or stem - or leaf production will diminish.

PROBLEMS: Aphids, cabbage looper, Harlequin bug and cabbageworms

NUTRITIONAL VALUE: Vitamins A & C.

USES: Steamed or boiled, simmered in a broth seasoned with salt pork or streak lean, salt, pepper and 2 teaspoons sugar. Collards can be tossed raw into green salads. Serve with chopped onions and vinegar as desired.