{"product_id":"collards-ultracross","title":"Collards, Purple Ultracross","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"65\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"63\"\u003ePurple Ultracross Collards (Brassica oleracea var. viridis)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"67\" data-end=\"519\"\u003ePurple Ultracross collards, selected by the Appalachian Seed Growers Collective, are a regionally adapted, open-pollinated strain developed for resilience, flavor, and visual appeal. These collards feature deep green leaves with striking purple hues, especially in cool weather, and offer a rich, tender eating quality that improves with frost. Bred in the Appalachian region, they are well-suited to diverse conditions and low-input growing systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"521\" data-end=\"546\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"521\" data-end=\"544\"\u003eKey Characteristics\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"548\" data-end=\"785\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"548\" data-end=\"583\"\u003eCold-enhanced color and flavor.\u003c\/strong\u003e Leaves develop beautiful purple pigmentation as temperatures drop, paired with a noticeably sweeter, more complex flavor after frost. This makes them especially valuable for fall and winter harvests.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"787\" data-end=\"1031\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"787\" data-end=\"831\"\u003eRegionally adapted Appalachian genetics.\u003c\/strong\u003e Selected under real farm conditions, this strain shows strong adaptability to variable weather, soil types, and lower-input systems. It performs reliably in both home gardens and diversified farms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1033\" data-end=\"1279\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1033\" data-end=\"1082\"\u003eTender leaves with excellent cooking quality.\u003c\/strong\u003e Compared to tougher collard types, Purple Ultracross produces more tender leaves that cook down კარგად while retaining body and flavor, making them ideal for traditional dishes and fresh greens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1281\" data-end=\"1509\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1281\" data-end=\"1332\"\u003eOpen-pollinated for seed saving and resilience.\u003c\/strong\u003e As an open-pollinated variety, it allows growers to save seed and continue selecting for desirable traits, contributing to long-term regional adaptation and seed sovereignty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1511\" data-end=\"1532\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1511\" data-end=\"1530\"\u003eProduct Details\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1534\" data-end=\"1947\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1534\" data-end=\"1551\"\u003eNative Range:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cultivated variety (Appalachian regional selection, USA)\u003cbr data-start=\"1608\" data-end=\"1611\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1611\" data-end=\"1632\"\u003ePlant Life Cycle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Biennial grown as an annual\u003cbr data-start=\"1660\" data-end=\"1663\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1663\" data-end=\"1684\"\u003eSun Requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun to partial shade\u003cbr data-start=\"1710\" data-end=\"1713\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1713\" data-end=\"1735\"\u003eSoil Requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium, medium-wet (fertile, well-drained)\u003cbr data-start=\"1778\" data-end=\"1781\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1781\" data-end=\"1799\"\u003eMature Height:\u003c\/strong\u003e 24–36 inches\u003cbr data-start=\"1812\" data-end=\"1815\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1815\" data-end=\"1830\"\u003eBloom Time:\u003c\/strong\u003e Second year if overwintered\u003cbr data-start=\"1858\" data-end=\"1861\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1861\" data-end=\"1877\"\u003eBloom Color:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yellow\u003cbr data-start=\"1884\" data-end=\"1887\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1887\" data-end=\"1912\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eUSDA Hardiness Zones:\u003c\/strong\u003e Grown as an annual in zones 2–11\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1949\" data-end=\"2177\"\u003ePurple Ultracross collards are a standout for growers seeking flavor, beauty, and regional resilience. Plant for fall harvest, allow exposure to frost for best quality, and maintain fertile soil for continuous leaf production.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Farm Connection","offers":[{"title":"4-pack","offer_id":47405003604227,"sku":"ANV-1552","price":4.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0675\/1128\/8067\/files\/9F53B69F-74E7-4D98-BFE2-CD02C9AF350D.jpg?v=1774028879","url":"https:\/\/tfcnursery.com\/products\/collards-ultracross","provider":"The Farm Connection","version":"1.0","type":"link"}