Smoky, Sturdy, Satisfying

Slowly simmered with ham, collard greens are a staple of Southern cuisine. DANIELLE ROSE PHOTOS

Grandma’s collards a Florida legacy

Collard greens have earned their place as one of the most dependable winter crops in Florida. They’re sturdy, unfussy, and remarkably productive from late fall through spring. In my garden, they’re the standout crop each season. It’s always one issue after another trying to grow tomatoes, but my collards never let me down. 

Collards thrive during our cold snaps, and, unlike more delicate leafy greens, they don’t bolt at the first warm spell. Once established, a few plants can supply fresh leaves for a family for months. They grow well in most soil, ask for little more than consistent moisture, and respond generously to regular harvesting. The more leaves you pick, the more they give.