Description
This listing is for those who want a couple tries at rooting 2 different tree collards in one order. This packet contains 2 Purple Tree Collard cuttings and 2 Big Blue Tree Collard cuttings. Starting a new tree collard plant can be relatively easy but it takes a moment of DAILY attention until the plants have rooted. If you want to skip the step of rooting cuttings, you can buy plants that are already rooted. They are usually sold in bundles of 3 or 4 cuttings because often not all cuttings will make it. Some customers are unable to successfully root any of them. For this reason, we do NOT recommend that beginner gardeners buy cuttings because it may be easier to start with a rooted plant.
Purple Tree Collards are a perennial vegetable related to collard greens. They can get over eight feet in height and will continue to grow and produce year after year. They turn darker purple tones in cool months and are lighter green in warm months. They rarely go to seed. They can survive temperatures down to around 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Many people find that the flavor of Purple Tree Collards is superior to traditional collard greens. They are very productive and tend to be more disease and pest resistant.
Big Blue Tree Collards are a 2020 introduction and extremely limited perennial tree collard. It is a naturally occurring garden hybrid from the Berkeley Farm that appears to be a cross between the Merritt Tree Collard, Dino Tree Collard, and maybe even Purple Tree Collard. Big Blue gets between 3 and 8 feet in height, and appears to naturally branch into a mid-sized shrub form. Within the first year or two, wide stalks 1-2 inches in diameter can form. Once the tree collard reaches 2-3 feet in height, it would be best tied to a sturdy stake as it can be top heavy in storms and high winds. Leaves can get up to 1 1/2 feet long and are a stunning blue-green color with a hint of pink/purple in the stems. They are somewhat crinkly like Dinosaur Kale, but much wider and less linear.
Because it is a new introduction, at this time it’s cold hardiness or heat tolerance is unknown. Based on past experience, it should be at least as cold and heat tolerant as its parentage. One can expect it to be good in zones 8-11, and probably marginal in zones 7 a and b. So far it has done well in snow and temperatures down to 28 degrees.
In addition to humans, chickens and ducks love to eat tree collards- their egg yolks will turn a brilliant orange. Like other collard greens, Purple Tree Collards are very nutritious. They are high in Vitamins B1, B2, B9, C, and beta-Carotene and are a great source of fiber.
All of our cuttings are tip cuttings from young, healthy growth on our mother plants which are grown in fertile, compost rich soil. We never use pesticides, herbicides, or synthetic fertilizers in our garden. Cuttings are wrapped in damp paper and a small plastic bag so that they will remain moist during transit.
Detailed instructions for growing your tree collards will be included with your order. You can also find our videos on Youtube at Project Tree Collard. Many of our customers have had great success with rooting cuttings. However, we cannot guarantee your success. They come in bundles of 4 because they sometimes don’t all root.
Please have high quality potting soil and some 4″ or 1 gallon containers on hand for their arrival. Tree collards root best in mild weather conditions and will need sun. If your region is hot when you receive your cuttings, you’ll want to keep them in partial shade while they form roots. We have a tutorial here showing how to root tree collards from cuttings.
Please note that while we hope that every order we ship thrives in your garden, we cannot be responsible for cuttings that freeze or get cooked in your mailbox or suffer for any other reason outside of our control. Please consider the weather in your region when ordering. If there is a defect with your order please take photos and contact us within 24 hours of arrival. We hope you enjoy your cuttings!
