Collard Greens Growing Guide
Brassicaceae family
Days to Harvest60 days
SunlightFull Sun
Frost ToleranceHeavy
Spacing18/sqft
Germination5-10 days
HardinessVery Hardy
Germ. Temp70°F
Start Indoors6 weeks before last frost
Growth Stages
- Seedling
- Early Vegetative
- Late Vegetative / Harvest Ready
Planting Dates by Zone
| Zone | Start Indoors | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1a | Apr 13 | May 4 | Apr 27 | Jun 23 |
| Zone 1b | Apr 13 | May 4 | Apr 27 | Jun 23 |
| Zone 2a | Apr 3 | Apr 24 | Apr 17 | Jun 13 |
| Zone 2b | Apr 13 | May 4 | Apr 27 | Jun 23 |
| Zone 3a | Apr 10 | May 1 | Apr 24 | Jun 20 |
| Zone 3b | Apr 3 | Apr 24 | Apr 17 | Jun 13 |
| Zone 4a | Mar 24 | Apr 14 | Apr 7 | Jun 3 |
| Zone 4b | Mar 20 | Apr 10 | Apr 3 | May 30 |
| Zone 5a | Mar 17 | Apr 7 | Mar 31 | May 27 |
| Zone 5b | Mar 17 | Apr 7 | Mar 31 | May 27 |
| Zone 6a | Mar 17 | Apr 7 | Mar 31 | May 27 |
| Zone 6b | Mar 4 | Mar 25 | Mar 18 | May 14 |
| Zone 7a | Mar 4 | Mar 25 | Mar 18 | May 14 |
| Zone 7b | Feb 27 | Mar 20 | Mar 13 | May 9 |
| Zone 8a | Feb 22 | Mar 15 | Mar 8 | May 4 |
| Zone 8b | Feb 8 | Mar 1 | Feb 22 | Apr 20 |
| Zone 9a | Feb 6 | Feb 27 | Feb 20 | Apr 18 |
| Zone 9b | Jan 27 | Feb 17 | Feb 10 | Apr 8 |
| Zone 10a | Jan 9 | Jan 30 | Jan 23 | Mar 21 |
| Zone 10b | Dec 17 | Jan 7 | Dec 31 | Feb 26 |
| Zone 11a | Dec 17 | Jan 7 | Dec 31 | Feb 26 |
| Zone 11b | Dec 4 | Dec 25 | Dec 18 | Feb 13 |
| Zone 12a | Nov 20 | Dec 11 | Dec 4 | Jan 30 |
| Zone 12b | Nov 20 | Dec 11 | Dec 4 | Jan 30 |
| Zone 13a | Nov 20 | Dec 11 | Dec 4 | Jan 30 |
| Zone 13b | Nov 20 | Dec 11 | Dec 4 | Jan 30 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow Collard Greens?
Collard Greens takes approximately 60 days from planting to harvest.
How much sun does Collard Greens need?
Collard Greens requires full sun (6+ hours direct sunlight per day).
How far apart should I plant Collard Greens?
Plant Collard Greens at 18/sqft using square foot gardening spacing.
Can Collard Greens survive frost?
Collard Greens is tolerant of heavy frost and can withstand freezing temperatures.
How long does Collard Greens take to germinate?
Collard Greens seeds germinate in 5-10 days at an optimal temperature of 70°F.
When should I start Collard Greens seeds indoors?
Start Collard Greens seeds indoors 6 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant -3 weeks after last frost.
Growing Tips
- Start indoors or direct sow; tolerates both heat and cold
- Mulch to keep roots cool in summer and warm in winter
- Flavor sweetens after exposure to frost
Common Pests & Diseases
- Cabbage worms
- Aphids
- Harlequin bugs
- Downy mildew
Harvest Notes
Pick lower leaves when 10-12 inches long, leaving the growing point intact. Younger leaves are more tender.
Plan Your Collard Greens Garden
Track Collard Greens from seed to harvest with personalized frost dates, watering recommendations, and companion planting visualization.
Start Free Learn More
