When to Plant Collard Greens in Vigo County, IN
May in Vigo County, Indiana — your action list
May is a pivotal month for Vigo County, Indiana gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
-
Begin indoor sowing: collard greens
You're about 23 weeks out from your last frost — the perfect window to get these germinating indoors.
To set up a strong June, finish these tasks
- 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.
Vigo County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 18 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 182 days.
At an elevation of 1,178 feet, Vigo County receives approximately 32.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Collard Greens during the growing season.
Vigo County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-6.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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.
Soil Compatibility in Vigo County
How your county's soil matches Collard Greens's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–6.7) is within Collard Greens's preferred range (6.0–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Vigo County is excellent for Collard Greens — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.5%) — Collard Greens will thrive.
How to Plant Collard Greens
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Collard Greens
Sow every 6.3 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 03 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 08.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Collard Greens
Collard Greens needs approximately 0.8 inches of water per week (3.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Collard Greens Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.5" | 3.1" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.5" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 2.4" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.5" | 2.3" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Vigo County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Collard Greens Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Collard Greens Planting Timeline — Vigo County, IN
Collard Greens Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 14 | Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 18 | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Direct Sow | April 4 | Apr 4 – Apr 25 |
| Harvest | June 13 | Jun 13 – Aug 15 |
| Fall Sowing | August 8 | Aug 8 – Aug 22 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.8"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
55–75 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
182 days in Vigo County
Growing Tips for Collard Greens in Vigo County
Direct sow Collard Greens outdoors after April 18 in Vigo County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Collard Greens in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Collard Greens in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Collard Greens in Vigo County, IN?
Vigo County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 18. Plan your Collard Greens planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Vigo County, IN?
Vigo County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 18 and first fall frost is October 17.
Your Vigo County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Vigo County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.