If you maintain ample soil moisture during hot periods in the summer, collards will produce an abundant harvest. Back To Top Harvesting All green parts of the plant are edible and may be harvested at any time during the growing season. Plants grown 6 inches apart can be cut at ground level when they reach 6 to 10 inches in height. As an alternative method of harvesting, you can pick the large leaves when the plants are 10 to 12 inches high. This allows the younger leaves to develop for later use.
Some gardeners prefer the young, tender leaves and cut the inner rosette of young growth.
Frost improves the flavor in the fall. The taste is similar to cabbage. A light frost near harvesttime improves the flavor of collard greens. A. Collard greens can be harvested either way. However, maximum yields result if the leaves from the bottom of the plant are harvested before they become too old.