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When to Plant Collard Greens in Wasatch County, UT

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.

Wasatch County, Utah is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 19 and the first fall frost is September 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 130 days.

At an elevation of 8,190 feet, Wasatch County receives approximately 16.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86ยฐF, providing good warmth for Collard Greens during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Collard Greens successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Wasatch County, UT (Zone 5a) Short season
130 days
Last Spring Frost May 19
130 growing days
First Fall Frost September 26

Wasatch County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.6-7.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (20 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 30 Transplant: May 4 🍅 Harvest: Jun 29 – Aug 31
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (11 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 14 Transplant: May 19 🍅 Harvest: Jul 14 – Sep 15
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (2 days to spare)
Start indoors: May 15 Transplant: Jun 19 🍅 Harvest: Aug 14 – Oct 16

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
0.5″/week
You supply
0.6″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 644 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 8/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Collard Greens needs ~942 GDD — county provides 1,885 GDD Excellent fit

Collard Greens Planting Timeline โ€” Wasatch County, UT

Collard Greens Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 14 Apr 14 โ€“ Apr 28
Transplant Outdoors May 19 May 19 โ€“ Jun 2
Direct Sow May 5 May 5 โ€“ May 26
Fall Sowing July 18 Jul 18 โ€“ Aug 1
Harvest July 14 Jul 14 โ€“ Sep 15

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April Start Indoors
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Transplant Outdoors
July Fall Sowing Harvest
August Fall Sowing Harvest
September Harvest
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 5a

Growing Season

130 days

Growing Tips for Wasatch 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 Wasatch County, UT?

Wasatch County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 19. Plan your Collard Greens planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Wasatch County, UT?

Wasatch County, Utah is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 19 and first fall frost is September 26.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Wasatch County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

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