Growing Collard Greens in Zone 9a
Zone 9a has warm winters and an extended growing season — excellent for heat-loving crops like Collard Greens. Last frost: Mar 20. First frost: Nov 12.
Planting Calendar
Season: Mar 20 – Nov 12 (237 days)
When to Plant Collard Greens in Zone 9a
Start Seeds Indoors: Feb 6
Start Collard Greens seeds indoors around Feb 6 (6 weeks before last frost). Optimal germination temperature: 70°F. Germinates in 5–10 days.
Transplant Outdoors: Feb 27
Transplant Collard Greens seedlings outdoors after Feb 27. Wait until soil temperature reaches 45°F. Space plants at 18/sqft. Harden off plants for a week before moving outside.
Harvest: Apr 18
First harvest approximately Apr 18 (~50 days from transplant). Continue harvesting until first frost (Nov 12). Collard Greens can overwinter in mild climates for continued harvest.
Fall Planting: Sep 3
For a fall harvest, plant Collard Greens around Sep 3 (10 weeks before first frost).
Collard Greens in Other Zones
1a 1b 2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b 12a 12b 13a 13bFrequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Collard Greens in Zone 9a?
Start Collard Greens seeds indoors around Feb 6. Transplant outdoors after Feb 27. Expect first harvest around Apr 18.
What is the last frost date for Zone 9a?
The average last spring frost date for Zone 9a is Mar 20. The first fall frost averages Nov 12, giving a 237-day growing season.
Can I grow Collard Greens in Zone 9a?
Yes. Collard Greens needs 60 days to harvest. Zone 9a has a 237-day growing season, which is sufficient.
What is the best month to plant Collard Greens in Zone 9a?
The best time to start Collard Greens in Zone 9a is Feb. Begin seeds indoors around Feb 6, then transplant outdoors after the last frost date of Mar 20.
How long does Collard Greens take to harvest?
Collard Greens takes approximately 60 days from planting to harvest. In Zone 9a, expect your first harvest around Apr 18.
Plan Your Collard Greens Garden
Track Collard Greens from seed to harvest with personalized frost dates, watering recommendations, and companion planting visualization.
Start Free Collard Greens Growing Guide