At Bloom Ranch of Acton, Champion Collards aren’t just another leafy green — they’re a living legacy of flavor, resilience, and regenerative farming.
For over two decades, we’ve grown and saved Champion Collard seeds on our certified organic ranch nestled in the foothills of Southern California. What did we learned firsthand? These broad-leaved beauties don’t just survive — they thrive through temperature swings, deliver exceptional nutritional density, and hold flavor profiles that supermarket greens simply can’t match.
In this guide, we’re sharing what sets true Champion Collards apart — from their adaptive traits and robust growth habits to the subtle taste notes that develop only under organic, soil-enriching conditions. You’ll also get a closer look at our seed-saving techniques, why open-pollinated genetics matter, and how our collard lines have been fine-tuned over years of on-ranch selection.
If you're wondering what Champion Collards are and whether they're worth growing, this isn't just an answer. It's an invitation into our fields.
Top 5 Takeaways
1. Naturally Hardy & Resilient
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Champion Collards thrive in cold, variable climates.
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Ideal for organic and regenerative gardening.
2. Grown Organically for Better Flavor
3. Rooted in History, Refined by Practice
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With years of cultivation history.
4. Packed with Nutrition and Goes Well With Many Dishes
5. Diverse, Curated Seed Collection
Understanding Champion Collards
For gardening enthusiasts or health-focused cooks, Champion Collards might be familiar. Known for their hardy nature and nutritive values, these leafy greens find their place in many gardens and on numerous dinner tables.
Cultivating them requires attention to certain factors. They prosper in well-drained, nutrient-packed soil, with a pH hovering between 6.0 and 7.0. Full sun is their haven, yet they can endure some shade. Watering regularly and fertilizing promote their growth. Guarding against pests like cabbage worms and aphids is crucial.
Its Origins
Tracing back to the Mediterranean region, they have a history that spans over two thousand years. This hearty vegetable's story is rich, traversing continents and adapting to various climates.
Renowned for robust stalks and vibrant green leaves, these collards were a staple in the diets of Greeks and Romans. From there, their popularity spread across Europe during the Middle Ages. Later, early European settlers brought them to the New World.
Patterns of growth for Champion Collards show the influence of their historical journey. Able to withstand cold climates and thrive in nutrient-rich soil, this plant ensured its survival and propagation. Selective cultivation over time resulted in today's Champion variety, showcasing an impressive resilience and adaptability.
Starting in the Mediterranean, Champion Collards now grow worldwide.
Cultivating Organic Crops
Healthy, nutrient-rich soil is the cornerstone of organic farming. This becomes particularly vital when we grow these crops.
Organic farming's advantages extend beyond just producing high-quality vegetables. By avoiding synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, farmers can reduce soil degradation and water pollution, thereby supporting environmental sustainability. In addition, organically grown Champion Collards, devoid of chemical residues, offer a healthier, more nutritious choice for consumers.
Bloom Ranch's Unique Collection
Bloom Ranch curates a special collection of Champion Collards, showcasing their commitment to the biodiversity enhancement of this robust vegetable. Such a collection exemplifies not merely the diverse range of collard greens but also the ranch's unflinching dedication to sustainable agriculture and farm-fresh produce.
Organic farming practices nurturing every variant of Champion Collard in this collection reflect Bloom Ranch's utmost care and respect for the environment. Such agricultural methods ensure soil fertility preservation, guaranteeing sustainable yield of nutrient-rich produce devoid of harmful chemicals.
Nutritional Benefits
Remarkable is the nutritional value collard greens hold:
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Vitamin K, crucial for bone health and blood clotting, is found in abundance in collard greens.
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They provide ample Vitamin C, essential for effective immune function.
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Dietary fiber, beneficial for digestion and heart health, is generously present in these greens.
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Calcium, vital for strong bones and teeth, is another nutrient these greens offer in good quantity.
In culinary use, collard greens exhibit versatility, adding nutritional value to a range of dishes. Whether steamed, sautéed, or included in soups and stews, collard greens are a healthy addition. Avoid overcooking to preserve their nutrient content. With high nutrient density, collard greens truly deserve their place in a balanced diet.
"After 20+ years of growing Champion Collards on our certified organic ranch, we’ve learned they’re more than just hardy greens — they’re living proof that resilience and flavor come from soil as alive as the plants themselves. Every leaf we harvest carries the taste of open-pollinated genetics, years of on-ranch selection, and the quiet strength of a plant that thrives where others falter."
Supporting Facts and Statistics
1. Vitamin K powerhouse.
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Half a cup of boiled collards = 530 mcg vitamin K (442% DV).
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Supports strong bones and healthy blood clotting.
Source: ods.od.nih.gov
2. Closing the veggie gap.
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Only 1 in 10 U.S. adults meets the daily veggie intake.
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Our collards help make that goal easier—and tastier.
Source: cdc.gov
3. Safety you can trust.
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99% of U.S. produce samples test below EPA pesticide limits.
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We go further—no synthetic chemicals, ever.
Source: ams.usda.gov
Final Thoughts & Opinion
Champion Collards are more than just greens — they’re storytellers of the soil. After decades of growing them organically, here’s what we’ve learned firsthand:
Why Champion Collards Stand Out
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Resilient growers – They adapt season after season, especially in regenerative beds.
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Flavorful expression of the land – Their taste shifts with the weather and soil — slightly sweet after a frost, richly earthy when slow-simmered.
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Soil-connected nutrition – The nutrients they offer reflect the health of the land they're grown in.
Our Honest Take
Champion Collards are worth growing if you’re looking for:
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Flavor with integrity – Not just bitter greens, but leaves that tell a story.
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A garden-to-table legacy – Open-pollinated, organically grown, and shaped by the land.
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Sustainable cultivation – A plant that gives back to the soil and supports biodiversity.
In Our Fields, We’ve Seen:
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Better growth under no-till, organic soil systems.
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Stronger flavor profiles than store-bought hybrids.
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An ability to thrive in fluctuating climates — making them ideal for resilient gardening.
If you’re seeking a green that reflects care, climate, and craftsmanship, Champion Collards from a regenerative farm like ours aren’t just worth planting — they’re worth preserving.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How big do champion collards get?
Champion collards typically grow up to 2 feet tall with leaves that can spread 1 to 2 feet wide. Each leaf can reach 8 to 12 inches long, creating a dense, hearty plant.
2. When to plant champion collards?
Plant collards in early spring or late summer for best results. In cooler climates, aim for 3 to 4 weeks before the last frost, and in warmer regions, plant in late summer for a fall harvest.
3. What are the best-tasting collards to grow?
Champion collards rank among the best-tasting varieties due to their tender leaves and mild, sweet flavor after a light frost. Other flavorful options include Georgia Southern and Vates.
4. Why put vinegar in collard greens?
Add vinegar to collard greens to balance their earthy taste with brightness. The acidity cuts through bitterness and enhances the overall flavor.
5. How many days to grow collard greens?
Collard greens take about 60 to 85 days to mature, though you can start harvesting baby leaves as early as 30 days after planting.
6. How to harvest collard greens so they keep growing?
Pick the outer, lower leaves first while leaving the central growing point intact. This encourages continuous leaf production throughout the season.
7. What not to plant next to collard greens?
Avoid planting collards near strawberries, tomatoes, and pole beans, as they compete for nutrients and can attract harmful pests.
8. What are the cons of growing collards?
Collards can attract pests like cabbage worms and aphids, require regular watering, and may bolt in extreme heat, reducing leaf quality.
9. What are the fast-growing collard greens?
Varieties like Tiger Hybrid and Flash mature quickly, often ready to harvest in about 50 days, making them ideal for short growing seasons.
10. How deep should collards be planted?
Plant collard seeds about ¼ to ½ inch deep in well-prepared soil to ensure strong germination and root development.
11. How many collard plants per person per year?
Plan for about 3 to 5 plants per person for a steady supply throughout the growing season.
12. What is the best fertilizer for collards?
Use a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 or one rich in nitrogen to encourage healthy, leafy growth. Apply according to soil test recommendations for the best results.
For inquiries about our sustainable practices, wellness initiatives, or our natural produce, please click here to reach out. We’re here to answer your questions and welcome you into the Bloom Ranch community.
Bloom Ranch of Acton
31880 Aliso Canyon Rd, Acton,
CA 93510, United States
info@bloomranch.com
(661) 844-0776
https://maps.app.goo.gl/49wSSZJhZA6ZZBun8
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