When to Plant Collard Greens in USDA Zone 10a
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.
In Zone 10a, the average last spring frost is around January 1 and the first fall frost is around December 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 364 days.
Collard Greens Planting Timeline — Zone 10a
Where Is USDA Zone 10a?
The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 10a. Click any state to see the Collard Greens planting schedule for that location.
Collard Greens Planting Calendar — Zone 10a
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | December 4 | Dec 4 – Dec 18 |
| Transplant Outdoors | January 1 | Jan 1 – Jan 15 |
| Direct Sow | December 11 | Dec 11 – Jan 1 |
| Fall Sowing | November 5 | Nov 5 – Nov 19 |
| Harvest | February 26 | Feb 26 – Apr 30 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| February | Harvest |
| March | Harvest |
| April | Harvest |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | Fall Sowing |
| December | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
Free Zone 10a Planting Calendar PDF
Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 10a with start dates, transplant windows, and harvest times.
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
55–75 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
Zone Temperature Range
30°F to 35°F average annual minimum
Growing Season
364 days (Zone 10a average)
Planting Specifications
| Planting Depth | 1 inches |
| Plant Spacing | 15 inches apart |
| Row Spacing | 24 inches between rows |
Growing Tips for Zone 10a
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
Level Up Your Garden
Saving Collard Greens Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Reduce heat stress and sun scorch in hot climates with UV-stabilized shade cloth.
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.
Related Plants
Collard Greens in Other Zones
Collard Greens by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Alberta
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- British Columbia
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Manitoba
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Brunswick
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Ontario
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Rhode Island
- Saskatchewan
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- Yukon
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Collard Greens in Zone 10a?
In Zone 10a, plan your Collard Greens planting around the average last frost date of January 1. Start seeds indoors around December 4. Direct sow outdoors around December 11. Transplant seedlings around January 1.
Can Collard Greens grow in Zone 10a?
Yes, Collard Greens can grow well in Zone 10a, hardy in USDA zones 2a through 11b. Zone 10a has a growing season of approximately 364 days, which is sufficient for Collard Greens (55-75 days to maturity).
When can I harvest Collard Greens in Zone 10a?
In Zone 10a, expect to harvest Collard Greens from February 26 – April 30. Collard Greens takes 55-75 days from planting to harvest.
What is the last frost date for Zone 10a?
The average last spring frost in Zone 10a is around January 1, and the first fall frost is around December 31. This gives a growing season of approximately 364 days. These are 50% probability dates — actual frost dates vary year to year.
What should I plant next to Collard Greens?
Good companion plants for Collard Greens include Onion, Potatoes, Thyme, Rosemary. These companions can help with pest control, pollination, and nutrient sharing.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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