Most perennial vegetables are either invasive, require a ton of work, or just don’t taste that great. The collard green tree plant flips that script — it’s a true cut-and-come-again perennial that stands 5–6 feet tall and produces sweet, tender leaves for years without needing to be replanted every season. That single trait saves serious time and money for anyone who values a reliable, low-maintenance food source.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. My approach relies on cross-referencing botanical data from USDA hardiness zones and long-running permaculture trials against hundreds of verified buyer reports to separate the plants that actually thrive from those that die within a week.
Whether you’re after a starter plant you can pot today or seeds for a dedicated edible landscape, knowing the exact specs before you buy makes the difference. This guide covers the top options for any grower searching for the best collard green tree plant for their space and skill level.
How To Choose The Best Collard Green Tree Plant
Not all tree collards are created equal. The biggest difference comes down to whether you buy seeds or an already-rooted starter plant. Seeds give you more plants per dollar and let you select for vigor, but they demand patience and proper stratification. Starter plants offer a head start but cost more per unit and may arrive as tiny seedlings that need immediate care. Matching that trade-off to your skill level and timeline is step one.
Consider Your Climate and Growing Zone
Tree collards are perennial in USDA zones 7–10 but can be grown as annuals in colder regions if overwintered indoors or in a protected greenhouse. The root system is hardy to light frosts, but a hard freeze below 20°F will kill the above-ground stalk. If you’re in zone 6 or below, plan for container growing or a cold frame before you commit to a specific seed or plant order.
Seed Quantity vs. Starter Plant Size
A pack of 50 seeds gives you the ability to select the strongest 5–10 seedlings after germination, which is a huge advantage for long-term yield and genetic diversity. Starter plants usually arrive as 2–6 inch seedlings — you pay extra for the convenience of skipping the germination window, but you lose the ability to cull weak plants early. For a dedicated food forest, seeds are the better investment; for an impatient gardener, a starter plant wins.
Leaf Flavor Profile and Use
The hallmark of a good tree collard is sweetness — the leaves should be noticeably less bitter than standard kale or annual collards. That sweetness is influenced by soil fertility, sunlight exposure, and the specific genetics of the plant. If you plan to eat leaves raw in salads, prioritize varieties or reviews that mention a sweet, mild taste rather than a tough, fibrous leaf.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perennial Purple Tree Collard Seeds (50 Pack) | Seeds | Mass planting & permaculture | 50 seeds per pack | Amazon |
| Camelia Tea Plant (4 Pack) | Starter Plant | Indoor/outdoor tea garden | 4 starter plants | Amazon |
| Olive Tree Arbequina (4 Pack) | Starter Plant | Edible fruit landscape | 4 plants, 20 ft height | Amazon |
| Curry Leaf Plant (Sweet Neem) | Starter Plant | Culinary herb container growing | 4-6 inch height | Amazon |
| AceList Faux Olive Tree (16.9 in) | Artificial | Low-maintenance decor | 16.9 inch height | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Perennial Purple Tree Collard Seeds (50 Pack)
This is the real deal for anyone serious about establishing a perennial collard patch. Fifty seeds give you enough material to select the most vigorous seedlings, which is critical for long-term yield in a permaculture bed. The purple-tinted leaves grow on a single tall stalk reaching 5–6 feet, producing sweet leaves that are far less bitter than standard kale.
Tree collards are one of the few brassicas that keep producing for multiple years without replanting. The leaves work raw in salads or cooked in soups and sauces, and the yellow flowers allow you to collect your own seeds for future propagation. The sandy soil preference matches well with raised beds or amended garden loam.
For the price per seed, this pack delivers the highest potential number of plants. You do need to stratify and germinate them yourself, which adds a few weeks of patience, but the genetic diversity you gain is a major advantage over buying a single starter plant.
What works
- Highest plant count per dollar for mass planting
- Sweet, low-bitter leaves ideal for raw and cooked use
- True perennial vigor — lasts years without replanting
What doesn’t
- Requires stratification and germination patience
- Not a starter plant — no immediate harvest
2. Camelia Tea Plant (4 Pack)
This four-pack of live camellia tea plants is a strong option if you want a head start on growing your own green, black, or white tea. The plants arrive as small seedlings (around 2 inches), but buyers consistently report healthy green foliage and good root moisture upon arrival. The included care instructions walk you through the initial soak and gradual sun introduction.
Camellia sinensis thrives in partial sun and well-drained acidic soil, making it a solid choice for patio containers or a dedicated tea garden bed. The evergreen foliage provides year-round ornamental value even when you’re not harvesting leaves. Several verified reviews note that the plants are tiny upon arrival but bounce back quickly after repotting.
For the price of a single coffee run, you get four genetically distinct plants that can produce tea leaves for decades. The trade-off is that you’ll need to wait a year or two before the first proper harvest, so this is a long-game investment rather than an instant pantry addition.
What works
- Four healthy starter plants with strong reviews
- Evergreen beauty plus tea leaf production
- Detailed care guide included for beginners
What doesn’t
- Plants arrive very small — about 1–2 inches
- Harvestable leaves take 1–2 years
3. AceList Faux Olive Tree (16.9 in)
If you want the visual presence of a tree without any watering, sunlight, or soil requirements, this faux olive tree delivers. The 16.9-inch overall height with white stones and a weighted pot makes it stable enough for a shelf, desk, or side table. The bendable branches and lifelike fruits offer a convincing silhouette that blends with modern farmhouse or boho decor.
This is not a living plant — it won’t produce edible leaves or fruit. But for renters, low-light rooms, or anyone who travels frequently, the zero-maintenance aspect is a genuine advantage. The sandstone and silk construction feels substantial in hand, and the white planter looks clean without being garish.
For the price, you’re paying for realistic appearance and immediate visual satisfaction. It makes a fine housewarming gift or accent piece, but if your goal is edible greens or a food-producing tree, this is a misstep. It’s a decor item, not a botanical investment.
What works
- Lifelike appearance with bendable branches
- Stable weighted base with sand finish
- Zero maintenance — perfect for dark rooms
What doesn’t
- Not a real plant — no harvest possible
- Small at 16.9 inches total height
4. Curry Leaf Plant (Sweet Neem), 4-6 inches
This curry leaf plant (Bergera koenigii) is an excellent entry point if you want a fragrant, edible tree that thrives in full sun and can be grown in a container or directly in-ground (zones 9-11). The 4-6 inch starter size is large enough to survive transplanting without the fragility of a seed, and the organic soil mix supports immediate root development.
The leaves are a staple in Indian, Sri Lankan, and Southeast Asian cooking — they’re used fresh in curries, chutneys, soups, and garnishes. The plant is described as fast-growing and drought-tolerant once established, with moderate watering needs. Multiple size options (4-6, 6-9, or 9-12 inches) let you choose your desired head start.
For a budget-conscious gardener who wants a living culinary plant that can go from pot to garden bed, this is a solid pick. It won’t produce a massive canopy like a tree collard, but it provides fresh aromatic leaves for months on end. The only catch is that full winter dormancy protection is needed outside of zones 9-11.
What works
- Authentic culinary leaves with strong aroma
- Multiple size options for preferred head start
- Drought-tolerant and fast-growing once established
What doesn’t
- Not winter-hardy below zone 9
- Small starter may need careful acclimation
5. Olive Tree Arbequina (4 Pack)
The Arbequina olive tree is a compact, self-fruiting variety prized for high-quality olive oil and table olives. This four-pack delivers a mini orchard for a fraction of the cost of a single mature tree. The silvery-green foliage adds ornamental value, and the trees tolerate various soil conditions as long as drainage is good.
These are outdoor plants suited for Mediterranean climates or containers that can be moved indoors during frost. The 20-foot mature height means they need proper spacing — at least 12-15 feet between trees. The expected bloom period from spring to summer gives a long window for fruit set, and the low-maintenance reputation holds up once the trees are established.
For the price, getting four genetically identical trees is a good deal for anyone who wants to press their own olive oil or cure olives at home. The trade-off is that you’ll need years of patience before the first meaningful harvest, and you must have space for full-size trees. Beginners who want instant greens should look elsewhere.
What works
- Four trees for the price of one at a nursery
- Self-pollinating with high oil yield potential
- Beautiful silvery foliage year-round
What doesn’t
- Requires years before first olive harvest
- Needs significant space (20 ft mature height)
Hardware & Specs Guide
Mature Height
Tree collards reach 5–6 feet at full maturity, with leaves growing up a single tall stalk. That height means you need vertical clearance for indoor pots and at least 3–4 feet of spacing between plants in an outdoor bed to allow airflow and light penetration. Pruning the top after the first year encourages bushier growth and easier harvesting.
Seed Count vs. Starter Size
A 50-seed pack lets you cull weak seedlings and select the strongest genetics, which is ideal for permaculture installations. Starter plants (2–6 inches) skip the germination window but arrive as small, fragile specimens that need careful hardening off. For most home growers, seeds offer better long-term value; for instant gratification, starters are the way.
FAQ
How long does it take for tree collard seeds to germinate?
Can tree collards survive winter in zone 6?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most gardeners seeking a true perennial collard, the winner is the Perennial Purple Tree Collard Seeds (50 Pack) because it gives you the highest plant count per dollar with the genetic diversity to select the strongest seedlings for your specific soil and climate. If you want a living plant that you can pot today and harvest leaves from this season, grab the Camelia Tea Plant (4 Pack). And for a purely ornamental fix that needs zero care, nothing beats the AceList Faux Olive Tree.