When to plant Collard Greens in Johnson County, IL
Aim to plant Collard Greens in Johnson County on or after March 24; the window stays open through April 14. Johnson County's 197-day frost-free season gives you enough for a full main crop and a short fall succession. A second sowing from August 12 to August 26 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Collard Greens in Johnson County, IL
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.
Johnson County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 7 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 197 days.
At an elevation of 1,006 feet, Johnson County receives approximately 39.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Collard Greens during the growing season.
Johnson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Collard Greens Planting Timeline — Johnson County, IL
Collard Greens Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 3 | Mar 3 – Mar 17 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 7 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Direct Sow | March 24 | Mar 24 – Apr 14 |
| Harvest | June 2 | Jun 2 – Aug 4 |
| Fall Sowing | August 12 | Aug 12 – Aug 26 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
55–75 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
197 days in Johnson County
Growing Tips for Johnson 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
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Collard Greens in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Collard Greens in Johnson County, IL?
Johnson County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 7. Plan your Collard Greens planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Johnson County, IL?
Johnson County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 7 and first fall frost is October 21.
When should I plant Collard Greens in Johnson County, IL?
In Johnson County, IL, plant Collard Greens after the last frost (around April 7) and before the first frost (around October 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Johnson County, IL for Collard Greens?
Johnson County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Collard Greens grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Collard Greens grow in Johnson County's climate?
Yes — Collard Greens grows well in Johnson County's temperate climate. Johnson County averages a 197-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 7 and first frost around October 21.
Your Johnson County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Johnson County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.