Tree Collards

Lissa starts with ...
Does anyone know where I might get hold of some cuttings for Tree Collards in Australia? Apparently they don't grow true to type from seed (see this article: http://treecollards.blogspot.com.au/)
An American friend has recommended them.

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Lissa says...
Hi JJB.
No, unfortunately no one has come forward with cuttings....and I posted the request on many different sites.
Seems to be unknown here in Australia mores the pity.
I should look more into importation - but that is difficult with something that needs cuttings rather than seeds. Customs most likely would not allow it and the chances of the cutting surviving a long trip is slim.
Just have to keep my eyes and ears open into the future.

Lissa says...
I've ended up buying some seeds on eBay:
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/351108858759?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/131296020154?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649

The next best thing with no cuttings to be found (yet) in Australia.

Lissa says...
We're talking about Tree Collards here KWS.
The Walking Stick Collards I grew from seed proved very useful for eating and are still growing close to 2yrs after planting. I bought one of the Daley Collards and it is very similar, though much more expensive for one plant. I have also bought a shorter growing Collard as seedling from our local Farmers Market at Caboolture. All good eating.
Waiting on my WSC to go to seed but after almost 2yrs they still show no sign.
Summer growing presents the problem of cabbage white caterpillar damage and reduced growth now the plants are older, but they have come good again for winter.
Some of the plants have produced side shoots (new plants) all by themselves. Plus I had some success by removing higher side shoots and propagating them in good soil.
Altogether the most useful and almost perennial green I have grown.

Lissa says...
The Kale WS is possibly different Julie. Some confusion about the naming of these plants and there are so many varieties. I love my WSC, a really good green for steaming or other uses.

Four years! Good grief. I will be waiting a long time for it to go to seed then.

Lissa says...
That's very interesting Julie.

Mine - 2yrs old - have shown no desire to go to seed. Some plants died but many have survived and are still producing good leaves for eating. They seem to reach about 1.5m tall and stay at that height. Yours?

I had some success propagating side shoots for new plants.

I have a lot of problem with caterpillars here in the warm months and they can decimate some of the plants. When I cut those right back they died.

Lissa says...
These should go to seed as I grew them from seed (from Portugal). In America they grow true to type from cutting so I read.
I really think there are so many closely related varieties.

jakfruit etiquette says...
I think Couve is the Portugese name for it, the non heading cabbage. Couve galega lisa was one variety, among many. Brassica oleracea species includes cabbage, broccoli, cauli, kale, brussel sprouts, etc. Some people give each of these var. names also.

Julie says...
Lissa, what are they like to eat? Are the leaves fairly tender, or need a lot of cooking?

Julie says...
Thanks Lissa! Mine look just like yours, but are fairly tough. Or it may just be me. I'll try steaming some.

Lissa says...
Paul - I have bought quality viable seed from seller azoresaway on eBay direct from Portugal. This seller doesn't appear to have any seed at the moment but there are others in Portugal offering seed.