When to Plant Collard Greens in Simi Valley, CA
Published: April 24, 2026
Collard Green Planting Dates for Simi Valley, CA
| Start seeds indoors | January 25–February 1 |
| Last frost (average) | March 1 |
| Transplant outdoors | February 8–18 |
| Direct sow outdoors | February 8–18 |
| Minimum soil temperature | 45°F |
| Expect first harvest | April 9 – April 24 |
| Fall crop planting | September 13–23 |
| Fall crop harvest | November 12 |
| First fall frost (average) | November 22 |
⚠ 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.
Best Collard Green Varieties for Simi Valley, CA
Consult a Simi Valley-area nursery or your state extension office for collard green varieties proven in Zone 7b.
Growing Collard Greens in Simi Valley
Simi Valley sits in Zone 7b, with an average last frost of March 1 and first fall frost around November 22 — giving a 266-day frost-free growing season. Cool-season crops like collard green benefit from Simi Valley's cooler spring and fall windows, when temperatures stay in the 55–75°F sweet spot that produces the best flavor and least bolting.
Simi Valley's moderate climate supports collard green on the standard transplant calendar with minimal special accommodation. Succession planting — sowing fresh seeds or setting new transplants every 2–3 weeks through spring — stretches the harvest window and gives you a backup crop if pests hit the first planting.
Simi Valley's mixed soil conditions vary block by block — get a soil test if you have not in three years. Generally, a base of quality compost (2 to 3 inches annually) and consistent watering at 1 inches per week serves collard green well across most soil types found in Simi Valley.
Collard Green Calendar for Simi Valley
| Month | Task |
|---|---|
| January | Start seeds indoors under grow lights |
| March | Last frost — harden off seedlings outdoors |
| February | Transplant outdoors into warm soil |
| April | Expect first harvest window to open |
| September | Start fall crop — transplants or direct sow |
| November | First fall frost — harvest remaining, end of outdoor season |
Collard Green Tips for Simi Valley Gardeners
- •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.
- •Succession plant collard green in Simi Valley every 2–3 weeks through spring to extend the harvest window into summer.
Common Collard Green Pests in Simi Valley
- •Cabbage Worm — peaks July in Zone 7b (active May–September); green caterpillars on brassicas; apply Bt spray or use row covers.
- •Aphid — peaks July in Zone 7b (active May–September); monitor closely during peak season and treat early.
- •Flea Beetle — peaks July in Zone 7b (active May–September); tiny black beetles that riddle leaves with holes; row covers protect seedlings.
Check plants every 2–3 days during peak season — early intervention prevents most infestations from becoming serious.
What to Plant with Collard Greens in Simi Valley
In Simi Valley's moderate climate, Onion and Garlic are the most beneficial plants to grow alongside collard green. Onion deters carrot fly, aphids, and several root-zone pests through sulfur compounds. Keep collard green away from Tomato — it competes for nutrients or shares pest pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant collard green in Simi Valley, CA?
In Simi Valley (Zone 7b), start collard green seeds indoors around January 25–February 1 and transplant outdoors around February 8–18. The city's average last frost of March 1 is the anchor date — count 5 weeks back for seed starting and 3 weeks back for transplanting.
What zone is Simi Valley, CA for collard green growing?
Simi Valley is USDA Zone 7b. For collard green, this means a frost-free growing season of roughly 38 weeks running from March 1 to November 22. Cool-season crops like collard green thrive in this zone with both spring and fall planting windows available.
When is collard green harvest season in Simi Valley?
Expect the first collard green harvest in Simi Valley around April 9, with harvest continuing through April 24. This is based on 60–75 days from transplant or direct sow. A fall crop planted September 13–23 adds a second harvest around November 12.
How long does it take to grow collard green in Simi Valley, CA?
From transplant or direct sow to first harvest, collard green takes 60–75 days in Simi Valley's climate. Based on a typical planting date of February 8–18, expect your first harvest around April 9. Simi Valley's Zone 7b transition-zone climate produces maturity times right in the middle of the stated range.
What soil does collard green need in Simi Valley?
Simi Valley's soil conditions vary block by block. Before planting collard green, do a soil test (most state extension offices run them for $15–30). The test reveals pH, key nutrient levels, and organic matter content, so you can amend appropriately rather than guessing. Generally, 2–3 inches of compost annually improves most soils for vegetable production.