Growing collard greens from a cut stem, often called ‘stump culture,’ allows a home gardener to produce a second, smaller yield without planting new seeds. This technique relies on the plant’s natural ability to regenerate roots and foliage from the main stalk. By utilizing a section of the harvested plant, you effectively clone the original collard, maintaining the parent plant’s characteristics. This method offers a sustainable way to extend the harvest season and provides a continuous supply of tender greens.
Preparing the Stem for Regrowth
Successful regrowth begins immediately after the initial harvest by preparing the stem as a cutting. Use a clean, sharp knife or shears to cut a section of the main stem, aiming for a length of approximately six inches. This segment should include several leaf nodes, which are the small, raised bumps where leaves were attached. These nodes contain dormant buds and are the locations where new roots will develop.
Next, remove all but the very smallest leaves at the top of the cutting to minimize water loss through transpiration. Keeping a few tiny leaves allows for some photosynthesis while directing the plant’s energy toward root development. Make a clean, angled cut at the bottom of the stem to increase the surface area for water and nutrient uptake. Dipping the cut end into a rooting hormone powder can accelerate the formation of new roots.
Planting the Collard Stem
The prepared stem is ready for planting directly into a suitable medium to encourage root growth. Select a pot or garden spot with well-drained soil rich in organic matter, avoiding soil that retains too much moisture. Insert the collard stem into the soil, burying it deep enough to cover at least two or three leaf nodes. Firmly tamp the soil around the base of the stem to ensure good contact with the planting medium.
After planting, water the soil thoroughly to settle it around the stem and eliminate air pockets. For the first few days, place the newly planted stem in an area that receives bright, indirect light to reduce stress. Once the stem shows signs of new leaf development, indicating successful rooting, it can be gradually moved into a sunnier location.
Ongoing Maintenance for Successful Regrowth
Consistent moisture is important for the regenerating collard stem to develop a strong root system. Keep the soil consistently moist but never saturated, as waterlogged conditions can quickly lead to stem rot. Monitoring the top inch of soil and watering when it feels dry helps maintain the necessary moisture balance. Collard greens prefer cooler temperatures, thriving best when the air temperature is consistently between 55°F and 75°F.
Once the stem is established and new leaves begin to appear, the plant requires at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for robust growth. Full sun exposure ensures the plant can produce the energy needed for large, flavorful leaves. Since collards are heavy feeders, especially of nitrogen, a light application of a high-nitrogen fertilizer is beneficial after the new growth is evident. Applying a liquid feed, such as fish emulsion, every three to four weeks sustains the continuous production of new foliage. You can expect to see noticeable new leaf growth emerging within two to three weeks.
Harvesting the New Collard Leaves
The regrown collard stem produces a continuous yield using the cut-and-come-again method, rather than a single large harvest. Begin harvesting when the new leaves are large enough for consumption, typically six to ten inches in length. Select the mature, outer leaves first, snapping or cutting them cleanly near the main stem.
Leave the central, newly emerging leaves—the growing crown—undisturbed to ensure the plant continues to produce. Taking only the older, outer foliage signals the plant to divert energy into generating more new leaves from the center. This selective harvesting process allows the single stem to provide multiple smaller harvests over an extended period.