A variable variety. Leaves are purple blushed but there is a range in the intensity of pigmentation. Degree of leaf blistering is also variable. Wavy margins. Amount of leaf bloom is also variable. Slightly spicy flavor. Open growth habit, with plants reaching 2-2.5' tall and 2-3' in diameter. Largest leaves measure 1.5-2' long and 8-12" wide. Elbin McLaurin of Soso, Mississippi received this collard variety from a friend, who originally got them from Tabitha Dykes (pronounced Tu Byth uh) b. 1886, d. 1986. She was a well-loved member of the community, whom everyone called Aunt Tabitha. Elbin believes this seed has likely been saved for over a hundred years. Elbin typically grows about 60 plants each year and gives a lot of collards away. In 2006, Elbin shared seeds with Dr. Edward Davis, a professor of geography at Emory & Henry College, who was collecting heirloom collard strains for preservation on behalf of the USDA. Seed Savers Exchange requested this variety in 2016 from the USDA collection (G 33031). SSE Accession # 133026
Listed in:
2019
, 2020