When to Plant Collard Greens in Nevada
Published: April 24, 2026
Nevada gardeners in Zone 9a enjoy an extended 46-week growing season for collard green. Cool-season crops like collard green do best in fall, winter, and early spring in Nevada — the hot summers bolt these plants before they can be harvested. This guide gives exact dates for Nevada based on your local frost calendar.
Collard Green Planting Dates for Nevada
| Start seeds indoors | December 26–January 2 |
| Last frost (average) | January 30 |
| Transplant outdoors | January 9–19 |
| Direct sow outdoors | January 9–19 |
| Expect first harvest | March 10 – March 25 |
| Fall crop start | October 6–16 |
| Fall harvest | December 5 |
| First fall frost (average) | December 15 |
Dates above assume Zone 9a, the most common zone in Nevada. Gardeners in cooler Reno (Zone 6a) plant 1–2 weeks later; warmer Las Vegas (Zone 9a) 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 Nevada's Climate
Nevada's warm Zone 9a 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 Nevada — 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 Nevada 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 Nevada
| Month | Task | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| January | Transplant outdoors | Soil temp must be 45°F+; nighttime lows above 50°F |
| February | — | Off-season |
| 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 Nevada 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.
- •Nevada'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 Nevada
In Nevada'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 Nevada
Top cities in Nevada — select for city-level frost dates and planting calendars.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant collard green in Nevada?
In Nevada (Zone 9a), start collard green seeds indoors around December 26–January 2 and transplant outdoors around January 9–19 — 3 weeks before the state's average last frost of January 30.
What is the last frost date in Nevada?
Nevada's average last frost date is January 30 in the state's most common Zone 9a. 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 Nevada?
collard green is a cool-season crop in Nevada, 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 Nevada?
For Nevada's Zone 9a, consult a local nursery or extension office for collard-greens variety recommendations.
When do I start collard green seeds indoors in Nevada?
Start collard green seeds indoors in Nevada around December 26–January 2, which is 5 weeks before the state's average last frost of January 30. Use grow lights and keep soil temperatures at 70–75°F for fastest germination.