Rare Collards?

[TheSeedObsesser]

Yup, just got a membership back in September for my birthday. Actually met Sea-K through there shortly before she joined. I have yet to put my membership to good use but definitely plan on it. Seeds aren't of course free when you get the membership, they cost money. It all helps if you list things in the exchange as well, but you can still get things from the exchange if not listing.

I could obtain some collard/Portuguese kale varieties for some of you, but that would require payment for seed (I'll handle shipping, or most of it). My charitability has been getting expensive lately. I know that I'm interested in some kale varieties myself, so could go half on it with you.

 

[digitS']

Wahl now, I wasn't trying to circumvent the efforts of the nonprofit! Nah sir!

I'm curious if there are lots more varieties than what appears in their general catalog. As I say, there is not one Portuguese kale even if it is described as having an origin in Portuguese Azores. The description is clear, down to the scientific name.

Is it easy to check on something like that? A dozen packets of unusual seed, unique to the organization, could pay for that membership.

Steve

 

[PhilaGardener]

SSE has two different websites for seed listings:

https://exchange.seedsavers.org/ is the site where you can see what SSE members are offering. However, the contact/ordering information is suppressed unless you too are a member. Seed is obtained directly from the listing member, so in this regard the organization is acting largely to connect interested parties.

http://www.seedsavers.org/ is the public catalog from which anyone can order prepacked seed from the organization. They have a nice selection (not as diverse, however) and info about each variety.

 

[TheSeedObsesser]

Oh a wasn't sure if you were or not (was leaning towards not). Just thought that I'd include everything that might need to be included in one post.

I think that Phila pretty much covered everything, or the basics. Getting the membership opens up the rare seeds for access, you still have to pay other members for seed. They do have a lot of different stuff in there - more of some but less of others. I would say there biggest selection would be beans and other legumes (popular and easy to grow) but if It's an unusual crop, you may or may not find it. (I thought that Portuguese kale was a variety in itself?)

 

[digitS']

I was just being defensive ... I'm a non-profit's friend, practically living the life of a true believer. I even played a role in organizing one. I will say that their tax exemptions put them right in the middle of politics.

Strangely, the seed exchange only has that kale from the Azores, when I search for Portuguese.

Yes, Portuguese kale is a variety or a cultivar of Brassica oleracea in the Acephala Group, just like Scotch kale, Italian kale and collards. Cabbage is a Brassica oleracea. Russian kale is a Brassica napus, as are rutabagas. The member is very clear that his or her kale from the Azores is a Brassica napus.

@canesisters 's location may offer the unique opportunity for her to grow all of these ! It is a wonderful vegetable family!

Steve

 

[Chickie'sMomaInNH]

i think i may have found a Portuguese kale seed supplier for you Steve! http://www.superseeds.com/vegetables-96/column-1/cabbage/tronchuda-cabbage-85-days.html

 

[digitS']

There I go, @Chickie'sMomaInNH ! Thank You.

I used to like buying from Pine Tree. Their seed packets are too small for most things but I don't need to fill 100's of square feet with Portuguese kale! Pine Tree's small and inexpensive packets are fine.

This will give me another reason to shop their catalog besides their Tyfon Holland greens! I'm going there now and see what else I can find. It's been quite a few years since I was a Pine Tree customer!

Steve

 

[hoodat]

The reason so few people save collard seeds is that it takes two years. The first season they grow and produce leaves and in the second year they flower ans produce seed. Not many people want to tie up that much gsrden space for two years.

 

[ninnymary]

Hoodat, glad to see you again. I've missed you and your wisdom.

Mary

 

[baymule]

@hoodat we've been missing you! Good to see you back here.