Collards Bolting in Spring: Harvest Now, Plant Fall Instead

Planted collards on Good Friday, now they're flowering. That's bolting — triggered by temperature swings when plants are young.

Why It Happens

Collards are biennials. Cold snaps followed by warm spells signal "winter's over, time to reproduce." Once the flower stalk elongates, leaf production stops and leaves turn bitter.

What to Do

Harvest immediately — eat the leaves now. They won't improve. Pull plants and replant a summer crop.

Better Timing: Fall Planting

Sow seeds in late summer for fall/winter harvest. Cool, steady autumn temperatures produce sweet, tender leaves without bolting. Spring plantings in the South are always a gamble.

Spring collards often bolt. Fall is the reliable season. Adjust your calendar.