When to Plant Collard Greens in Louisiana
Published: April 24, 2026
Louisiana gardeners in Zone 8b enjoy an extended 45-week growing season for collard green. Cool-season crops like collard green do best in fall, winter, and early spring in Louisiana — the hot summers bolt these plants before they can be harvested. This guide gives exact dates for Louisiana based on your local frost calendar.
Collard Green Planting Dates for Louisiana
| Start seeds indoors | December 28–January 4 |
| Last frost (average) | February 1 |
| Transplant outdoors | January 11–21 |
| Direct sow outdoors | January 11–21 |
| Expect first harvest | March 12 – March 27 |
| Fall crop start | October 6–16 |
| Fall harvest | December 5 |
| First fall frost (average) | December 15 |
Dates above assume Zone 8b, the most common zone in Louisiana. Gardeners in cooler New Orleans (Zone 8b) plant 1–2 weeks later; warmer Shreveport (Zone 8a) can plant 1–2 weeks earlier.
⚠ 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 Collard Greens in Louisiana's Climate
Louisiana's warm Zone 8b climate makes collard green a fall, winter, and early spring crop rather than a summer one. The cool-season window runs roughly October through April in Louisiana — plant outside this window and the collard green will bolt (send up a flower stalk and turn bitter) before it produces a harvestable crop.
Succession planting stretches the collard green harvest window. Sow small amounts every two weeks from October through February — you will have staggered harvests rather than a single wave to process all at once. Bolt-resistant varieties extend the usable window an extra three to four weeks into warming weather.
Common collard green pests to watch for in Louisiana include Cabbage Worm and Aphid. The first line of defense is companion planting: Onion and Garlic planted nearby discourage several of these pests by confusing host-plant identification or repelling adults before they can lay eggs. Weekly garden walks in the early morning catch problems when they're still manageable.
Collard Green Garden Calendar for Louisiana
| Month | Task | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| January | Transplant outdoors | Soil temp must be 45°F+; nighttime lows above 50°F |
| February | Harden off seedlings | Set seedlings outdoors 1–2 hours daily, increasing gradually |
| March | First harvest window opens | Collard Green begins producing 60–75 days after transplant |
| April | — | Off-season |
| May ← | Watch for bolting | Harvest promptly; spring heat arrives quickly |
| June | — | Off-season |
| July | — | Off-season |
| August | — | Off-season |
| September | — | Off-season |
| October | Fall crop planting | Transplant or direct sow for fall harvest before frost |
| November | — | Off-season |
| December | Start seeds indoors | Use grow lights; warm soil to 70–75°F for best germination |
Collard Green Growing Tips for Louisiana 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.
- •Louisiana's cool-season collard green plants best in October, November, and December for winter and early spring harvest. Spring plantings bolt before producing a harvestable crop.
- •Frost improves flavor dramatically — southern tradition is to wait for the first frost before harvesting.
Companion Planting for Collard Greens in Louisiana
In Louisiana's warm climate, planting collard green with Onion and Garlic helps deter pests and improve soil. Avoid planting near Tomato and Strawberry, which inhibit collard green growth through root chemistry or shared pest pressure. See the full collard green companion planting guide for the complete list.
Collard Greens Planting Dates by City in Louisiana
Top cities in Louisiana — select for city-level frost dates and planting calendars.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant collard green in Louisiana?
In Louisiana (Zone 8b), start collard green seeds indoors around December 28–January 4 and transplant outdoors around January 11–21 — 3 weeks before the state's average last frost of February 1.
What is the last frost date in Louisiana?
Louisiana's average last frost date is February 1 in the state's most common Zone 8b. Frost dates vary by city — higher elevations and northern counties run 1 to 3 weeks later than the state average. See the city list below for city-level frost dates.
Can I grow collard green year-round in Louisiana?
collard green is a cool-season crop in Louisiana, with spring and fall windows. Summer heat bolts the plants before they can produce a harvestable crop. Succession planting every 2–3 weeks stretches the harvest window.
What collard green varieties grow best in Louisiana?
For Louisiana's Zone 8b, consult a local nursery or extension office for collard-greens variety recommendations.
When do I start collard green seeds indoors in Louisiana?
Start collard green seeds indoors in Louisiana around December 28–January 4, which is 5 weeks before the state's average last frost of February 1. Use grow lights and keep soil temperatures at 70–75°F for fastest germination.