Collard green tree seeds aren’t your standard garden-variety brassica. They can tower six feet high, produce leaves for months on end, and deliver a sweet, earthy flavor that outshines any store-bought bunch. The challenge is finding seed stock that actually germinates reliably, matches your growing zone, and produces the yield you expect without wasting a season on duds.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. I’ve spent years analyzing germination data, comparing heirloom strains, and studying grower feedback across thousands of seed lots to separate high-performing collard varieties from those that disappoint.
Whether you’re planting a dedicated bed or starting a microgreens operation, picking the right genetics matters. This guide breaks down the top-rated collard green tree seeds by germination rate, plant height potential, and yield per square foot for every type of gardener.
How To Choose The Best Collard Green Tree Seeds
Not every packet labeled “collard” will produce a towering perennial stalk with sweet purple-tinged leaves. The term “tree collard” is often used loosely, and standard annual collard varieties are sometimes marketed alongside true perennial types. To avoid disappointment, focus on three core factors: plant growth habit, seed count versus germination reliability, and the genetic lineage (heirloom, open-pollinated, or hybrid).
Annual vs. Perennial Growth Habit
True tree collards are perennial brassicas that can live for several years, reaching heights of 5–6 feet with a single woody stalk. Most standard collard varieties are annuals or biennials that stay bushy and low to the ground. If you want a continuous harvest without replanting each spring, search for “perennial tree collard” or “purple tree collard” specifically — look for descriptions mentioning a tall central stalk and sweet leaves. Standard collard seeds like Georgia Southern or Champion are excellent for single-season yields but will not regrow year after year.
Seed Count vs. Germination Expectation
Collard seeds are small, and packet sizes vary wildly from 50 seeds up to 128,000 seeds per pound. High seed counts are cost-effective for microgreens or large beds, but only if the germination rate is high. Check the harvest method (direct sow vs. transplant) and the expected days to maturity — typically around 70 days for full-size leaves. For personal gardens, a mid-size packet of 8,000–15,000 seeds is more than enough for multiple sowings across a season. For commercial or microgreen setups, the pound-size bags offer the best value.
Heirloom and Open-Pollinated Genetics
Heirloom collard seeds are open-pollinated, meaning you can save seeds from your best plants and expect identical offspring. This is crucial for tree collards, where you want to select for sweet flavor, purple tint, and tall growth over successive seasons. Avoid hybrid collard seeds if you plan to save seeds — hybrids will not breed true. Look for labels like “heirloom,” “open-pollinated,” and “non-GMO” to ensure genetic stability and the ability to build your own seed stock.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purple Tree Collards (50 Seeds) | Perennial | Permaculture & continuous harvest | 6 ft height; purple-tinted leaves | Amazon |
| Georgia Southern Collards (1 Lb) | Bulk Microgreens | High-volume microgreens & large beds | 128,000 seeds per pound | Amazon |
| Georgia Southern Collards (8,000 Seeds) | Heirloom Garden | Home garden cabbage-like leaves | 14 inch plant height; heirloom | Amazon |
| Collards Georgia Great (15,000 Seeds) | Bulk Value | Freezing & canning; large harvests | 15,000 seeds; 70 days to harvest | Amazon |
| Organic Greens Variety Pack (12 Packs) | Variety Kit | Diverse greens garden; beginners | 12 varieties including collards | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. 50 Seeds of Perennial Purple Tree Collards
This is the real deal for anyone who wants a true perennial tree collard, not just another annual bush variety. The seeds produce plants that form a single tall stalk reaching up to six feet, with purple-tinted leaves that have a noticeably sweeter flavor than standard collards. Because it is a perennial Brassica, you get a continuous supply of greens from the same plant year after year — perfect for permaculture beds or low-maintenance kitchen gardens.
The 50-seed count is modest, but that is by design: tree collards are space hogs, and each mature plant can cover a 3–4 foot diameter. You will want to give them room. The seeds are described as producing yellow flowers that set seed, so you can save your own stock for future seasons. The sandy soil recommendation matches what most collards prefer — well-draining ground with moderate watering.
Growers consistently report high germination rates when started indoors and transplanted after the last frost. The purple coloration intensifies in cooler weather, making this both an edible and ornamental addition. If you want a plant that keeps giving for multiple seasons without replanting, this is the standout choice.
What works
- True perennial growth habit saves replanting effort
- Sweet, mild flavor straight from the garden
- 6-foot height creates a striking vertical element
- Can be propagated from saved seeds
What doesn’t
- Low seed count per packet (50 seeds)
- Requires more space per plant than bush varieties
- Slower to establish in the first season
2. Georgia Southern Collards Seed – 1 Lb (~128,000 Seeds)
If your goal is microgreens production or planting a very large bed, this one-pound bag of Georgia Southern collard seeds delivers an enormous 128,000 seeds. That is enough to cover several hundred square feet of growing space or run multiple microgreen cycles. The seeds are heirloom, non-GMO, and open-pollinated, so you can save seeds from your best plants and maintain genetic purity across seasons.
Georgia Southern is an annual variety, meaning it will complete its life cycle in a single season — about 70 days to full maturity. The leaves are dark blue-green and cabbage-like in texture, excellent for cooked greens, freezing, and canning. The seed size is uniform, which makes them ideal for microgreen trays where even germination density matters. The expected planting window is winter, but they perform well in spring and fall too if temperatures stay cool.
One practical consideration: store this bag in a cool, dry place or vacuum-seal portions after opening. At this volume, moisture exposure can gradually reduce germination rates. For growers who value raw seed count per dollar, this is the most economical route into the category.
What works
- Extremely high seed count for cost-conscious bulk planting
- Heirloom & open-pollinated for seed saving
- Uniform seed size suits microgreen trays perfectly
- Reliable 70-day maturity window
What doesn’t
- Annual variety — must replant each season
- Not a true tree collard; grows as a bush
- Large bag requires careful storage to avoid moisture damage
3. Georgia Southern Collard Seeds – Large Package (8,000 Seeds)
This 8,000-seed packet from Marde Ross & Company is a strong mid-range option for home gardeners who want a solid yield of cabbage-like collard leaves without committing to a full pound of seeds. The plants reach about 14 inches in height and produce a very high yield of dark blue-green leaves that are delicious fresh or cooked. The heirloom genetics mean you can collect seeds from your strongest plants for the next season.
The recommended sowing depth is a quarter-inch of soil in cool temperatures, with full sun and moderate watering. The expected bloom period is summer, but the real value here is the leaf production, not flowering. The “Attracts Pollinators” label is a bonus if you let a few plants bolt. The seeds are small but plentiful — enough for a generous family garden with multiple successions.
One feature that stands out is the packaging: the resealable bag helps maintain seed viability between sowings. If you plant in spring and again in late summer for a fall harvest, you will still have viable seeds left. The 8,000 count is a sweet spot — enough to share with neighbors but not overwhelming to store.
What works
- Generous 8,000 seed count for home gardens
- Heirloom variety allows seed saving
- Cabbage-like leaves freeze and can well
- Resealable packaging supports extended storage
What doesn’t
- Annual only — no regrowth after harvest
- Plant height limited to 14 inches
- Not suited for microgreen density planting
4. Collards Georgia Great Heirloom Vegetable by Seed Kingdom (15,000 Seeds)
Seed Kingdom’s Georgia Great heirloom collard comes in a bulk bag of 15,000 seeds, making it a strong contender for gardeners who prioritize volume without moving up to a full pound. The variety is described as a good freezing and canning variety, with dark blue-green leaves that hold their texture after cooking. The 70-day harvest window is standard for collards, and the sandy soil preference matches what most brassicas thrive in.
The heirloom designation means you can save seeds reliably, which adds long-term value beyond the initial purchase. The package is a simple bulk bag without fancy extras — just seeds and a label. For the price, you get enough seed to plant a very large bed or run multiple successions from spring through fall. The moderate watering requirement is easy to manage with drip irrigation or standard garden hoses.
Customer feedback consistently notes high germination rates when planted in cool soil, though some users mention that the seeds are small and require careful handling during direct sowing. Pre-soaking the seeds for 6–12 hours can speed up germination in cooler soils. If you need a reliable, no-fuss collard variety for bulk cooking and preservation, this is a practical workhorse.
What works
- High seed count (15,000) for large plantings
- Heirloom genetics support seed saving
- Good freezing and canning performance
- Consistent 70-day maturity
What doesn’t
- No resealable packaging included
- Seeds are small and can be tricky to space by hand
- Annual variety only
5. Organic Healthy Greens Seeds Variety Pack – 12 Packs
This 12-pack from Sweet Yards is built for diversity. It includes Champion Collard Greens alongside arugula, kale, Swiss chard, spinach, mustard, and several lettuce varieties — all certified organic and non-GMO. The collard component is an annual bush-type, not a tree collard, but the pack is ideal for gardeners who want to sample multiple greens in one purchase without buying separate packets. The seeds are from the 2026 season, ensuring high freshness and germination potential.
Each packet is individually labeled with planting instructions, and the outer packaging features a reusable zipper closure for organized storage. This is a gift-friendly option that also works well for beginners who are still discovering which greens grow best in their microclimate. The collard seeds in the mix will perform like standard Champion collards — good yields of dark green leaves with a classic earthy flavor.
The main trade-off is seed quantity per variety. Individual packets are small, so you won’t get the volume needed for large-scale planting or microgreens production. But if your goal is to experiment with a range of greens in a single season, this kit gives you a curated selection with organic certification and a 30-day germination guarantee.
What works
- Certified organic with 2026 season seeds
- 12 varieties let you compare growth habits
- Reusable zipper packaging for organized storage
- 30-day germination guarantee reduces risk
What doesn’t
- Small seed count per individual packet
- Collard is an annual bush type, not a tree collard
- Not cost-efficient for bulk collard planting
Hardware & Specs Guide
Days to Maturity
Most standard collard varieties, including Georgia Southern and Champion, reach full leaf maturity in roughly 70 days from transplant. True perennial tree collards will begin producing harvestable leaves within 60–80 days of planting, but continue yielding for multiple years. Earlier harvests are possible if you pick baby leaves for salads at the 30–40 day mark.
Plant Height & Habit
Annual collards typically stay between 12–18 inches tall with a bushy, branching habit. True tree collards (perennial types) form a single woody stalk and can reach 5–6 feet tall. The purple-tinted varieties often have slightly better cold tolerance and develop deeper color in cooler temperatures. Height is a key differentiator when choosing between annual and perennial seed packets.
Seed Count & Density
Collard seeds are small, averaging 128,000 seeds per pound. A standard home-garden packet of 8,000–15,000 seeds is sufficient for multiple successions in a 4×8 foot bed. For microgreens, a pound bag can produce 20–30 full 1020 trays depending on seeding density. Always check the seed count versus your planting area before buying — a 50-seed packet of tree collards is meant for a few specimen plants, not a production bed.
Soil & Water Preferences
Collards thrive in well-draining sandy loam with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. They prefer moderate, consistent watering — about 1–1.5 inches per week. Tree collards, being perennial, benefit from a deep mulch layer to protect roots over winter in zones 7 and below. Both annual and perennial varieties appreciate full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in hot summer climates where bolting is a concern.
FAQ
What is the difference between tree collard seeds and regular collard seeds?
How many collard green tree seeds do I need for a family garden?
Can collard green tree seeds be grown for microgreens?
Do tree collard seeds need special treatment to germinate?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most gardeners, the collard green tree seeds winner is the 50 Seeds of Perennial Purple Tree Collards because it delivers a true perennial growth habit, sweet flavor, and the six-foot height that defines the tree collard experience. If you want the highest raw seed count for microgreens or bulk planting, grab the Georgia Southern Collards 1 Lb. And for a low-risk sampler that includes collards alongside a dozen other organic greens, nothing beats the Organic Healthy Greens Seeds Variety Pack.