Weldon Rouse Old Timey Cabbage Collard variety description
Variation in planting. One plant that is non-glossy, but 2 leaves are glossy and have a much greener petiole. Three plants are more yellow-green, while the rest are light green to whitish green. Leaves are orbicular to ovate in outline and have a wavy margin. Plants measure 14-21 inches tall and 26-38 inches wide. Most plants have moderate blistering on leaves, but one plant has highly blistered leaves. Variety has moderate heading capabilities. Plants were damaged when temperatures reached 20 F, but were not killed. Average to slightly above average eating qualities.
Weldon Rouse Old Timey Cabbage Collard variety history
Grown by Marie Harper of Mt. Olive, North Carolina. This heirloom variety is named for the woman who originally gave seeds to Marie. Weldon Rouse lived in the Seven Springs area and said these were the best cabbage collard in the world. She also indicated to Marie that the variety had been in the family for decades. In 2006, Marie Harper gave seeds to Dr. John Morgan, a cultural geographer and professor of geography at Emory & Henry College, who was collecting heirloom collard strains for preservation on behalf of the USDA Accession. Seed Savers Exchange requested this variety in 2016 from the USDA Accession collection (G 32756).
Seed Status:
This variety is low quantity in the Seed Savers Exchange collection and is in need of regeneration. We are actively looking for more seed stewards willing to regenerate and steward this variety. Please get in touch if you are interested. Email collards@seedsavers.org.