How to Propagate Tree Collards From Cuttings

This is the updated version of the original How to Propagate Tree Collards from Cuttings with more detailed information. Cuttings, plants, and seeds are available for sale at www.projecttreecollard.org. This tutorial shows how to turn 3 cuttings into 6 cuttings to get more plants. Project Tree Collard demonstrates their simple method for professionally propagating tree collards so you can have success rooting your cuttings. Organic vegetable gardening can be especially rewarding by growing perennial vegetables such as tree collards in your garden.
Tree collards (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) are members of the brassica family. They are also known as Tree Kale or Tree Cabbage. Their relatives include traditional collards, kale, broccoli, cabbage, brussels sprouts, kohlrabi, and cauliflower. However, unlike most of its relatives, tree collards are perennial. This means that, like a fruit tree or rose bush, they will continue to grow and produce year after year and without the need for planting new seeds or seedlings every year like traditional collards and kale. Tree collards are hardy to about 20° F (-7° c) and in mild climates have been known to live for up to twenty years! They are closely related to other perennial collard varieties grown in Mediterranean, Africa, the Americas, and other countries.
Tree collards are one of the easiest vegetables to grow in a home garden. For very little input they can provide an abundance of greens all year round. A fast growing relative of collards and kale, some varieties can grow up to eight feet in height in a few years.
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You can find Project Tree Collard at: www.projecttreecollard.org
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[@playinglifeoneasy9226]

I love that it makes gardening more accessible to people who have little growing space. They require minimal care, the best thing for them is to keep harvesting so the leaves don’t get too old.

[@projecttreecollard]

yes! Everyone needs at least one tucked in somewhere

[@kimberlyw252]

Thank you so much !!! I just ordered 2 days ago and they came today…?they are beautiful healthy starts !!! So excited !!! 💕💕💕

[@projecttreecollard]

yay!

[@thefutureofgardening5912]

Just bought a few purple collards from you. Thank you so much for all you do with this project! I love the tree collards!!

[@projecttreecollard]

thanks!

[@amandacrews2279]

Love the instructions! And, as lilomarley2 said, this is radically important resource to feed our families with organic, fresh, insecticide FREE. Sequoia, you are the "Johnny Appleseed of Tree Collards".... thank you!

[@projecttreecollard]

Thanks Amanda Crews!

[@busker153]

I have Dinosaur Tree Collards, Big Blue Tree Collards, and Jolly Green Tree Collards growing here in Tucson, Arizona. We grew them from seeds so, while not true to type, perhaps, they are beautiful, and delicious! And, it appears that I may well be able to start propagating off of them this summer.

[@projecttreecollard]

love this!

[@busker153]

@@projecttreecollard Well, I have good news! These Tree Collard plants went through April 2023 here in Tucson, AZ where it is supposed to be hot. Well, we had 5 major frosts, 2 of which were hard frosts, and it snowed on them three times! (Global warming much? LOL) They came through like troopers! With a nice covering of snow they were like, "Snow? Snow problem!" Then, they also went through June and July with our unusually super hot and dry weather, and they were all like, "Is it hot enough for you?" LOL All from your seeds!

[@projecttreecollard]

wonderful to hear. I've got similar highs and lows here!@@busker153

[@themystic4139]

Not quite 2 weeks since I received my purple cuttings plus seeds for both green and purple collards here in SW Florida. Every seed that I started has germinated and rose so quickly (1"+) I had to remove the cellophane from my seed starter. I'm thinking about sowing them around my pool cage without staking them and hope it provides some more privacy, beauty and food for my family and any critter that wants some. Thank you, Sequoia!

[@projecttreecollard]

You're so welcome. Let me know how it goes!

[@therichieconway]

I love your passion for these trees! We ordered from you guys and it has been a huge blessing through the covid ordeal.

[@projecttreecollard]

Thank you so much for your kind words!

[@WarmFuzzyVibes]

Thanks for sharing this info! I just remembered I have the purple tree collard seeds I recently received on my order from you and the winter is pretty mild here in Austin, Texas. I could experiment and plant a couple seeds now, and more next fall. In the meantime, I can possibly have a jumpstart on growing these with the two or four seeds right now in January! I love trying new plants and it will be interesting to see what characteristics these seeds show once up and growing. I will share these with my plant growing friends at the community garden for them to try at home. I will grow mine at home since at home I can feel free ro plant in the ground, but at the community garden, probably would have to containerize in a large pot to stay legal there since these are kind of a tree, though not technically a tree. No "permanent" plants allowed there! So I am glad I have places in my back yard these will enjoy growing!

[@nancyfahey7518]

Thank you!

[@yvencia1150]

Thank you very much🤗

[@ateoutdoors]

Just got my shipment notification. I can't wait to get mine started growing. Looking forward to getting the seeds I ordered growing as well. These are most likely going to become a staple in my future permaculture yard.

[@projecttreecollard]

wonderful! glad you watched before the cuttings arrive!

[@ateoutdoors]

@@projecttreecollard I'm fairly certain I've watched this video before, but it was sometime last year. The refresher is definitely appreciated. Lol

[@Livingsamsara]

My first video seeing you because I want to learn how to care for my new tree collard cuttings. I appreciate your mentioning aphids because I actually did put tulle around my new cuttings until they get their head start and the ladybugs can find any aphids who accidentally find my newest garden addition (since I'm in S.C. and still hot on September 10th). I cannot wait to see more videos so I subbed!!

[@projecttreecollard]

Thanks! and welcome to the channel:)

[@lorenrenee1]

I have them-stunning plants. I’m gonna share some cuttings with my daughters school garden. They give away lots of produce to families in our school community. Tree collards would go far in that.

[@projecttreecollard]

that's awesome

[@MrsIsland-Duncan]

My Merritt tree collards have shipped❣️ I am so excited Thank you Sequoia 💝 I am in zone 8 Dallas,Tx will start them in a container just in case I have to move them inside....Its Texas

[@ajayasir5272]

Great video. I just got my package from you in the mail. I hadn’t even thought about turning these 4 cuttings into 8 cuttings! Thank you for that tip on abundance!

[@projecttreecollard]

awesome to hear

[@randieray8567]

I really appreciate what you are doing and can hardly wait to get the seeds I bought from you into the ground.

[@projecttreecollard]

Thank you:)

[@ValerieHarrisPrettyandCexi]

Thank you so much for this video. I love my plants and want get good at them. This is going to help me a lot

[@projecttreecollard]

Great Valerie! Glad I can help you:)

[@rafika816]

Excellent presentation. Thank you for sharing.

[@projecttreecollard]

you're welcome:)

[@richstone2627]

First rate. Thank you

[@projecttreecollard]

glad you liked it!

[@ANoteToSelf]

Thank you so much for showing that we could cut the cutting smaller! Mine arrived in great condition considering I ordered them during the SoCal summer! I think the heat might be getting to them even though I have them in shade, but considering we’ve been having heat in the 100+, I’m not surprised. If these ones don’t work out, I’ll definitely order more because they were in such great condition. Thank you!

[@projecttreecollard]

yes it has been a really HOT summer. Best to root them in more mild weather. I am now in a summer hot climate as well.

[@lilomarley2]

awesome job! could save the world :)

[@projecttreecollard]

I think it could feed the warmer parts of the world!

[@rocknmamma2666]

I'm certainly impressed with your instructional video. Extremely succinct and your details cover all the questions I had on receipt of my two cuttings off of eBay this week. I'm just inland bout 25 east of San Diego. W had a had freeze last night so I plan to pot them up and keep inside my warmer trailer for next couple weeks to get them going. I'll gradually harden off outside. I anticipate another hot summer - 112 for a wk last year and hot, dry Santa Ana winds. So we're might you recommend permanent planting? Shade, partial shade, direct sun, or??? And thank you for demonstrating I could cut my longer 8-10" pieces into smaller ones with nodes. So glad I found your site. Thank you.

[@beekeepersjourney8192]

Any idea where I can buy the green cuttings? I bought the purple from you on Etsy and all three are growing very well.

[@ecobluefarms223]

Hi there I’ve placed an order and will start growing these for my quail Are these gmo ? Or just grafted

[@rspins]

My one surviving Michigan TC made 5, 2-3 ft stalks this season with leafy growth at the ends only, of course. Winter is coming here in Western NC. Is it safe to prune off the leafy growth now even if it will just leave bare stalks? I guess I'll try to start new ones from the tips in a sunny window over the winter. They are poking beyond my hoops so I can't protect them as they are. I'll appreciate any advice you have. Thanks!

[@WarmFuzzyVibes]

Hey, I am no expert, but if I were you, I would cut a few stalks, remove the leaves from them and put them into small pot of fresh potting soil bury each cutting about half way up the stalk and lightly water. Of course, bring indoors and place under grow light so they can be planted next spring or fall. I don't know how cold you get there in NC. I understand the Michigan tree collard can stand slightly colder temps, but it couldn't hurt to prune the branches into cuttings and plant those as insurance.

[@johnhooper1492]

Good informative video. One question: should I also use rooting hormone to help the cuttings to make new plants ?

[@projecttreecollard]

I have tried them with rooting hormone and did not see any need for it. Didn’t improve rooting

[@nancyloveleafygreens4052]

Thanks for any tips you can share! Couple years now I've taken cuttings in the fall, kept them watered & sheltered all winter, had green lively looking with healthy new growth, only to find nary a single root come spring. What am I doing wrong? Should I start over now that it's Spring by cutting off the unrooting bottom of the stem and take off all the leaves except the tiny top? Should I use rooting hormone? I've got a couple dozen beautiful cuttings and most of the in garden ones have deceased so I'm eager to root at least some of these! I'm wondering how long does it typically take for roots to appear? Does it vary by season/temperature?

[@projecttreecollard]

I do have more information on rooting them on my website in the learn section. www.projecttreecollard.org They typically take 4 to 12 weeks depending on season, temps, water, soil, climate, etc. You can cut a fresh 1/2 inch off the bottom and try again (little leaves arent a problem) I didn't find rooting hormone to help. Results were the same for me, but do your own experiment if you want. Bottom heat can help them root faster.

[@nancyloveleafygreens4052]

@@projecttreecollard Great, thanks for your reply. I'll explore the Learn section! :)

[@MasterCoachUniversity]

I'm in NE Florida... 1-2 (very light) freezes per year and summers are super humid and hot (90's / 100% humidity and rain). Yard is either filtered sun (through trees) or direct sunlight for more than 1/2 the day. Our collards survive for several years but some of our kale dies in the summer from snails or wetness or...? There are 3-4 varieties of tree collards in your shop. Which tree collard varieties do you recommend for my region? Any or a few specific ones?

[@projecttreecollard]

I hear the most successful in heat is the Purple Tree Collard. Next best might be Merritt.

[@MasterCoachUniversity]

@@projecttreecollard And I got both from you (you have the pics) - - so far both seem happy. Much less finicky than the 'tree kale' we got seeds for a few years ago.

[@eddiek8399]

i got some cuttings from you a few months ago. You sent me the stalks with little leaves on them. They rooted really fast. I already plant them in the ground. They grow taller to about 18-20 inches now. Each plant only sprouts new shoot from the top, there is no new shoot from the side nodes. I want to propagate some more. Do I wait for the side sprouts to come out first before cutting the top out or I can cut the top out now and hopefully they will start sprouting from the nodes? I don't want to kill it by topping it off. But I think it should sprout new growth on the side since it's already rooted. What is your suggestion? Thanks so much.

[@projecttreecollard]

If it is not too hot (or cold) in your climate, then you can cut the tops off and propagate more now.

[@AwestaKhalid]

So I have a big patch of tree collard in the backyard that has gotten insanely tangled with 10 foot long woody stems. What are your thoughts on clearing the whole thing out and replanting propagation trimmings on the clear patch of land? thanks

[@projecttreecollard]

yes, I think that is a good idea if you take a lot of extra cuttings as back ups. I do this every few years

[@barb8452]

I want to buy some cuttings and seeds

[@joycecooper498]

Hello Sequoia I purchased Merritt tree collard seeds from you. Do I use seed starter mix or potting soil to grow my tree collards? Thank you

[@projecttreecollard]

seed starter mix would be the red carpet treatment but I usually use potting soil

[@carybradley3968]

I'm not clear on if a node has to be buried or not? The 2nd cutting you planted seemed to not bury 1st node. Do roots grow from stem bottom or from node? Thanks!!!

[@projecttreecollard]

the roots grow from the stem bottom, not the nodes.

[@carybradley3968]

@@projecttreecollard thank you!

[@1975ba]

Hi I just received 3 purple collard plants. They are very beautiful plants thank you. Is there any specific fertilizer or compose to use when planting them in a pot? I live in Orlando Florida and the temperature run between 95 and 100 degrees here during the summer.

[@projecttreecollard]

Any organic multi-purpose would be good periodically. Fish emulsion is also good periodically. Twice a year I use crushed oyster shells for calcium replacement.

[@1975ba]

Unfortunately they died a month and a half ago 😟

[@1975ba]

Guess I’ll have to order more

[@RogueCorps]

Just found your site and KZbin. We traded for some starters from a neighbor nearby in El Cerrito. I see that you're trimming the cuttings' bases and putting them straight into soil. I've been letting cuttings heal over before planting. Does that hinder them?

[@projecttreecollard]

I never tried letting them heal. I have about a 95 percent success ratio in high quality potting soil. Way less success straight in garden soil

[@RogueCorps]

@@projecttreecollard Wow, that's very good! Thanks for all of the info!

[@JohnnyWilson-mz8kj]

I have seeds from( not sure what kind) they had yellow flowers anyway i live in simi northen Georgia the soil is brown clay but i put the seeds in a pot with ploting soil and munuer was that a good move?

[@projecttreecollard]

there are too many variables in that for me to say for sure....But I will say they do need a large pot

[@andrewsackville-west1609]

I've got some seeds on the way, yay! You mention that tree collards, once established, prefer less water. How much of a concern is it that I'm in the "rain forest" part of the Oregon Coast Range? We get 90+ inches of rain a year, all packed into September - May-ish. Is that going to be too much? I do have some areas on a steep south facing hillside. Could plant in sandy soil there, which would help with being a little soggy...

[@projecttreecollard]

i would plant them slightly high up (in a slight mound) to be sure they drain well. The sandy soil drains well, so yes, use that too with some added compost for nutrition

[@andrewsackville-west1609]

@@projecttreecollard thanks for that! My seeds arrived today, super excited. I'm thinking of sowing soon, for fall planting. Our winters are very mild. Any pointers for that plan?

[@projecttreecollard]

@@andrewsackville-west1609 sounds good. Plant them with similar timing for cauliflower or broccoli

[@karlasmilegroves5392]

how do you check for the roots to know when they have rooted without messing with the plant too much?

[@projecttreecollard]

kzbin.infoQZFqVOWQFPU

[@CoachRichThurman]

Do you place the node under soil or keep all nodes above soil?

[@projecttreecollard]

1-2 nodes minimum should be under soil.

[@CoachRichThurman]

@@projecttreecollard thank you. I’m in SF and have been loving growing my Tree Collards in a community garden. Excited to to attempt to propagate for my newly constructed home garden.

[@tiffychvz]

Can they be rooted in just a cup of water or is rooting In soil the best way?

[@projecttreecollard]

I think rooting in soil is more consistent. If you root in water, then you have to still give the cutting with roots a few weeks to acclimate to soil before you plant it, so it doesn't save any time

[@GreenLadyUrbanFarm]

I have purple tree collards they work the same as the green?

[@projecttreecollard]

Yes. These are purple tree collards in the video

[@GreenLadyUrbanFarm]

@@projecttreecollard i get it now. Mine are just way more purple because I'm in a cold area. Zone 6b. I'm gonna take cuttings just incase I loose the outdoor ones over winter.

[@projecttreecollard]

@@GreenLadyUrbanFarm yes...and my examples came from a little shade

[@valencia81750]

Are these the same as the Merritt collard that I bought from you by mail??

[@projecttreecollard]

In the video I demonstrate with Purple Tree Collards. It is the same technique with Merritt Tree Collards but they make less side shoots and they are really fat. I have a KZbin on propagating Merritt Tree Collards from a LARGE cutting.

[@joycecooper498]

I was trying to clarify that the collard that you used in your demonstration was in fact a purple tree collard and not the Merritt collard😀

[@DrPattiL]

I have watched this everal time and I still have a quetion. I received my cuttings, I cut on the bottom as instructed. 1 is not doing anything at all, one died and the last oe the tip is drying out. The soil is moist not soggy. I am in zone 8B. any suggestions on saving these. I seaerched and searched to find tree collards and was so happy to purchase. I wil lbe heart broken if I lose them. Help

[@projecttreecollard]

The one that appears to be doing nothing is probably trying to get some roots started. The one with the drying tip could be cut off and may sprout lower down. Try cutting back a tiny amount on the water if your area is humid.

[@TheShender64]

I just bought my first tree collards. My question is I live in an apartment with no porch or balcony can I grow my collards inside?

[@projecttreecollard]

I don't think it would work because they will most likely get pests

[@smallspaceswithGloria]

What will happen if I already planted w/o cutting on bottom?

[@projecttreecollard]

I'm not sure what you mean. Do you mean you planted upsidedown? I am pretty sure it will die if upsidedown

[@josiebridges3583]

@@projecttreecollard Maybe Gloria meant snipping a piece off the bottom before sticking into the soil.

[@josiebridges3583]

I think it will still work.

[@projecttreecollard]

@@josiebridges3583 yes....its probably fine

[@StephenS.Guizeh]

I planted my collard after cutting, but they started getting rotten from below and upwards gradually. Please give me tips to improve this condition

[@projecttreecollard]

it sounds like you are overwatering. There is a delicate balance between enough moisture but not too much

[@StephenS.Guizeh]

@@projecttreecollard Yes, I think it because I have been watering it too much. Please I need watering tips for collard greens from you. I also need tips on how to fertilize hot pepper plants

[@projecttreecollard]

check the soil before you think you should water. If it is already moist, don't water for another day before you check again.@@StephenS.Guizeh

[@antonioaguiar63]

How do you get cuttings

[@projecttreecollard]

we sell them at www.projecttreecollard.org

[@Jaytraveler2]

No root starter?

[@projecttreecollard]

i've tried with rooting hormone and without as a test, and there was NO advantage to using rooting hormone. The cuttings with rooting hormone grew in the same as without it.

[@Jaytraveler2]

@@projecttreecollard Thank you

[@rocknmamma2666]

Please forgive spell ck typos.

[@ashleyfeinberg2988]

Thank you!