When to Plant Collard Greens in Missouri
Published: April 24, 2026
Missouri gardeners in Zone 6b have a 33-week growing season for collard green (March 22 to November 10). Missouri's spring and fall windows both work well for collard green — some gardeners plant both successions for a long harvest. This guide gives exact dates for Missouri based on your local frost calendar.
Collard Green Planting Dates for Missouri
| Start seeds indoors | February 15–22 |
| Last frost (average) | March 22 |
| Transplant outdoors | March 1–11 |
| Direct sow outdoors | March 1–11 |
| Expect first harvest | April 30 – May 15 |
| Fall crop start | September 1–11 |
| Fall harvest | October 31 |
| First fall frost (average) | November 10 |
Dates above assume Zone 6b, the most common zone in Missouri. Gardeners in cooler St. Louis (Zone 6b) plant 1–2 weeks later; warmer Kansas City (Zone 6a) 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 Missouri's Climate
Missouri's moderate Zone 6b climate is well-suited to collard green with minimal special accommodation. The standard transplant calendar works as written, and harvest windows line up with what seed packets recommend without adjustment.
Succession planting extends your collard green harvest significantly in Missouri. A second planting 3 to 4 weeks after the first gives you a backup in case of pest pressure and extends the total harvest window into early fall.
Common collard green pests to watch for in Missouri 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 Missouri
| Month | Task | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| January | — | Dormant season |
| February | Start seeds indoors | Use grow lights; warm soil to 70–75°F for best germination |
| March | Transplant outdoors | Soil temp must be 45°F+; nighttime lows above 50°F |
| April | First harvest window opens | Collard Green begins producing 60–75 days after transplant |
| May ← | Watch for bolting | Harvest promptly; spring heat arrives quickly |
| June | — | Dormant season |
| July | — | Dormant season |
| August | — | Dormant season |
| September | Fall crop planting | Transplant or direct sow for fall harvest before frost |
| October | — | Dormant season |
| November | First frost approaches | Harvest remaining collard green; cover plants on frost nights |
| December | — | Dormant season |
Collard Green Growing Tips for Missouri 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.
- •Missouri's moderate climate supports succession planting — sow new transplants or seeds every 3 weeks during spring to extend the harvest window into fall.
- •Frost improves flavor dramatically — southern tradition is to wait for the first frost before harvesting.
Companion Planting for Collard Greens in Missouri
In Missouri's moderate 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 Missouri
Top cities in Missouri — select for city-level frost dates and planting calendars.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant collard green in Missouri?
In Missouri (Zone 6b), start collard green seeds indoors around February 15–22 and transplant outdoors around March 1–11 — 3 weeks before the state's average last frost of March 22.
What is the last frost date in Missouri?
Missouri's average last frost date is March 22 in the state's most common Zone 6b. 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 Missouri?
collard green is a cool-season crop in Missouri, 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 Missouri?
For Missouri's Zone 6b, consult a local nursery or extension office for collard-greens variety recommendations.
When do I start collard green seeds indoors in Missouri?
Start collard green seeds indoors in Missouri around February 15–22, which is 5 weeks before the state's average last frost of March 22. Use grow lights and keep soil temperatures at 70–75°F for fastest germination.