When to Plant Collard Greens
Published: April 24, 2026
Extremely cold-hardy leafy brassica — withstands temperatures to -10°C. Direct sow or transplant 3–4 weeks before last frost. Fall plantings produce the best-flavored greens after frost.
When to plant collard green
- Start seeds indoors: 5 weeks before last frost
- Direct sow outdoors: 3 weeks before last frost
- Minimum soil temperature: 45°F
- Days to harvest: 60–75 days
- Sun requirement: Full sun to partial shade
- Spacing: 18 inches apart
- Water: 1 inches per week
- Fall crop: Yes — plant 10 weeks before first fall frost
⚠ Direct sow or transplant collard greens 3–4 weeks before last frost. Extremely cold hardy — withstands temps to 15°F. Can be grown as a perennial in Zones 8+. Fall planting produces the best-flavored greens.
Growing Tips for Collard Greens
- •Harvest outer leaves continuously once plants reach 10 inches — the central growing point produces for months.
- •In Zones 8+ collard greens often overwinter and produce for 2–3 years as a perennial.
- •Frost improves flavor dramatically — southern tradition is to wait for the first frost before harvesting.
- •Blanch and freeze excess harvest — collard greens freeze beautifully and provide winter vitamins.
Companion Planting for Collard Greens
✅ Plant collard green with
- • Onion
- • Garlic
- • Dill
- • Celery
- • Mint
❌ Avoid planting near
- • Tomato
- • Strawberry
- • Bean
Common Collard Green Pests and Problems
Regional pest pressure varies — see your state guide below for state-specific pest calendars and treatment timing.
Collard Greens Planting Dates by State
Select your state for exact sow and transplant dates based on local frost calendars.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do I plant collard greens?
Direct sow or transplant collard greens 3–4 weeks before your last frost date. In Zones 3–5 this is early to mid-April; in Zones 7–8, late February. For a fall crop, plant 10 weeks before first fall frost. Collards tolerate hard frost and keep producing through light winter weather in Zones 7+.
How cold can collard greens tolerate?
Collard greens withstand temperatures as low as -10°C (15°F) — making them one of the most cold-hardy vegetables. In Zones 7+ they often survive winter outdoors with light mulch and produce leaves through spring. Flavor actually improves after light frosts as starches convert to sugars.
How do I harvest collard greens?
Use the cut-and-come-again method: harvest the lower outer leaves when they reach 10 inches long, leaving the central growing point and 5–7 young leaves intact. A single plant produces continuously for 3–6 months. Never cut the central tip — doing so stops new leaf production.
Can collard greens grow in summer?
Spring-planted collards often bolt in summer heat above 30°C. They tolerate heat better than most brassicas but the real sweet spot is fall/winter growing in Zones 7+. Plant fall crops in August for harvest from October through February in mild climates.
What should I plant with collard greens?
Alliums (onion, garlic) and aromatic herbs (dill, mint) deter cabbage worms. Celery shares similar water needs. Avoid tomatoes and strawberries which compete for nutrients, and beans which collard greens can shade out.