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When to Plant Collard Greens in Jasper County, MS

Collard greens are a heat-tolerant member of the cabbage family with large, sturdy leaves. They are a Southern staple and one of the most nutritious leafy greens.

Jasper County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 15 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 242 days.

At an elevation of 468 feet, Jasper County receives approximately 53.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 94ยฐF, providing good warmth for Collard Greens during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Collard Greens, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Collard Greens root diseases.

Jasper County, MS (Zone 8a) Long season
242 days
Last Spring Frost March 15
242 growing days
First Fall Frost November 12

Jasper County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (122 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 30 Transplant: Mar 6 🍅 Harvest: May 1 – Jul 3
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (123 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 8 Transplant: Mar 15 🍅 Harvest: May 10 – Jul 12
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (117 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 3 Transplant: Apr 7 🍅 Harvest: Jun 2 – Aug 4

Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.9″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 169 gal / 100 sq ft
Collard Greens needs ~1,332 GDD — county provides 4,961 GDD Excellent fit

Collard Greens Planting Timeline โ€” Jasper County, MS

Collard Greens Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 8 Feb 8 โ€“ Feb 22
Transplant Outdoors March 15 Mar 15 โ€“ Mar 29
Direct Sow March 1 Mar 1 โ€“ Mar 22
Fall Sowing September 3 Sep 3 โ€“ Sep 17
Harvest May 10 May 10 โ€“ Jul 12

Plant 1" deep ยท 15" apart ยท Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Start Indoors
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April โ€”
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August โ€”
September Fall Sowing
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

55โ€“75 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 8a

Growing Season

242 days

Growing Tips for Jasper County

Start seeds indoors or direct sow 4-6 weeks before last frost. Harvest lower leaves first, leaving the growing tip intact. Flavor improves after exposure to frost.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Strawberries
  • Tomatoes

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Collard Greens in Jasper County, MS?

Jasper County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 15. Plan your Collard Greens planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Jasper County, MS?

Jasper County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 15 and first fall frost is November 12.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Jasper County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Jasper County, MS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.