When to Plant Collard Greens in USDA Zone 9b
April to-do list for Zone 9b
Here's what deserves your attention in Zone 9b this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 9b and timed around your local frost dates.
-
Harvest collard greens as they ripen
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
Before May arrives, get these ready
- First harvests: collard greens
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 9b, the average last spring frost is around January 25 and the first fall frost is around December 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 329 days.
Collard Greens Planting Timeline — Zone 9b
Where Is USDA Zone 9b?
The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 9b. Click any state to see the Collard Greens planting schedule for that location.
Collard Greens Planting Calendar — Zone 9b
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | December 28 | Dec 28 – Jan 11 |
| Transplant Outdoors | January 25 | Jan 25 – Feb 8 |
| Direct Sow | January 4 | Jan 4 – Jan 25 |
| Harvest | March 22 | Mar 22 – May 24 |
| Fall Sowing | October 25 | Oct 25 – Nov 8 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| February | Transplant Outdoors |
| March | Harvest |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | Fall Sowing |
| December | Start Indoors |
Free Zone 9b Planting Calendar PDF
Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 9b 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
°F to °F average annual minimum
Growing Season
329 days (Zone average)
Planting Specifications
| Planting Depth | 1 inches |
| Plant Spacing | 15 inches apart |
| Row Spacing | 24 inches between rows |
Succession Planting Collard Greens in Zone
Sow every 6.3 weeks for continuous harvest throughout the season.
Growing Tips for Collard Greens in Zone
Zone has a short growing season (~329 days). Start Collard Greens indoors early and use season-extension techniques like row covers and cold frames.
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
The Gardener's Encyclopedia to Companion Planting
The pairings that make vegetables, herbs, and flowers grow better — and the ones that quietly wreck a bed.
- Proven pairings for 200+ vegetables, herbs, flowers, and fruits
- Full seed-starting + planting schedule with timing and spacing
- Bonus: square-foot gardening guide + printable seasonal planners
Saving Collard Greens Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.
Keep your garden organized with durable, weather-resistant plant labels.
Related Plants
Collard Greens in Other Zones
Collard Greens by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Collard Greens in Zone 9b?
In Zone 9b, plan your Collard Greens planting around the average last frost date of January 25. Start seeds indoors around December 28. Direct sow outdoors around January 4. Transplant seedlings around January 25.
Can Collard Greens grow in Zone 9b?
Yes, Collard Greens can grow well in Zone 9b, hardy in USDA zones 2a through 11b. Zone 9b has a growing season of approximately 329 days, which is sufficient for Collard Greens (55-75 days to maturity).
When can I harvest Collard Greens in Zone 9b?
In Zone 9b, expect to harvest Collard Greens from March 22 – May 24. Collard Greens takes 55-75 days from planting to harvest.
What is the last frost date for Zone 9b?
The average last spring frost in Zone 9b is around January 25, and the first fall frost is around December 20. This gives a growing season of approximately 329 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.
Your Free Printable Garden Planner
A 24-page printable planner tailored to your zone. Planting dates, monthly task lists, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — everything you need to plan a full season.