When to Plant Collard Greens in Lubbock, TX
Published: April 24, 2026
Collard Green Planting Dates for Lubbock, TX
| 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 Lubbock, TX
Consult a Lubbock-area nursery or your state extension office for collard green varieties proven in Zone 7b.
Growing Collard Greens in Lubbock
Lubbock 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 Lubbock's cooler spring and fall windows, when temperatures stay in the 55–75°F sweet spot that produces the best flavor and least bolting.
Lubbock'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.
Lubbock's heavy clay soil benefits from raised beds or deep organic matter amendment before planting collard green. Clay retains moisture well but compacts easily — add 3 to 4 inches of compost and work it in to 12 inches before planting. Consistent watering (1 inches per week) is especially important in clay soil, which can crack and pull away from roots during dry spells; mulch around plants to stabilize moisture.
Collard Green Calendar for Lubbock
| 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 Lubbock 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 Lubbock every 2–3 weeks through spring to extend the harvest window into summer.
Common Collard Green Pests in Lubbock
- •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 Lubbock
In Lubbock'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 Lubbock, TX?
In Lubbock (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 Lubbock, TX for collard green growing?
Lubbock 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 Lubbock?
Expect the first collard green harvest in Lubbock 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 Lubbock, TX?
From transplant or direct sow to first harvest, collard green takes 60–75 days in Lubbock's climate. Based on a typical planting date of February 8–18, expect your first harvest around April 9. Lubbock's Zone 7b transition-zone climate produces maturity times right in the middle of the stated range.
What soil does collard green need in Lubbock?
Lubbock's heavy clay soil compacts easily and drains slowly — problematic for collard green which needs oxygenated roots. Build a raised bed or amend deeply with 3–4 inches of compost worked into the top 12 inches. Add gypsum if the soil is severely compacted. Consistent watering matters especially in clay because the soil can crack and pull away from roots during dry spells.