When to Plant Collard Greens in USDA Zone 2b
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 2b, the average last spring frost is around May 22 and the first fall frost is around September 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 111 days.
Collard Greens Planting Timeline — Zone 2b
Where Is USDA Zone 2b?
The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 2b. Click any state to see the Collard Greens planting schedule for that location.
Collard Greens Planting Calendar — Zone 2b
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 10 | Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 22 | May 22 – Jun 5 |
| Direct Sow | May 15 | May 15 – Jun 5 |
| Fall Sowing | June 18 | Jun 18 – Jul 2 |
| Harvest | July 17 | Jul 17 – Sep 18 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Fall Sowing |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Free Zone 2b Planting Calendar PDF
Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 2b 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
-45°F to -40°F average annual minimum
Growing Season
111 days (Zone 2b average)
Planting Specifications
| Planting Depth | 1 inches |
| Plant Spacing | 15 inches apart |
| Row Spacing | 24 inches between rows |
Growing Tips for Zone 2b
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
Full-spectrum LED lights for starting seeds indoors when daylight is limited.
Warm soil for faster germination of heat-loving crops like tomatoes and peppers.
Protect plants from frost, wind, and pests while letting light and water through.
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 2b?
In Zone 2b, plan your Collard Greens planting around the average last frost date of May 22. Start seeds indoors around April 10. Direct sow outdoors around May 15. Transplant seedlings around May 22.
Can Collard Greens grow in Zone 2b?
Yes, Collard Greens can grow well in Zone 2b, hardy in USDA zones 2a through 11b. Zone 2b has a growing season of approximately 111 days, which is sufficient for Collard Greens (55-75 days to maturity).
When can I harvest Collard Greens in Zone 2b?
In Zone 2b, expect to harvest Collard Greens from July 17 – September 18. Collard Greens takes 55-75 days from planting to harvest.
What is the last frost date for Zone 2b?
The average last spring frost in Zone 2b is around May 22, and the first fall frost is around September 10. This gives a growing season of approximately 111 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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