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When to Plant Collard Greens in Claiborne Parish, LA

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.

Claiborne Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 22 and the first fall frost is November 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 228 days.

At an elevation of 229 feet, Claiborne Parish receives approximately 59.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 92Β°F, providing good warmth for Collard Greens during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Collard Greens root diseases.

Claiborne Parish, LA (Zone 8a) Long season
228 days
Last Spring Frost March 22
228 growing days
First Fall Frost November 5

Claiborne Parish Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6-7.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Collard Greens

Collard Greens needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Collard Greens Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan β€” 5.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb β€” 5.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 5.5" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" πŸ’§ Light watering
May 4.3" 4.8" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.8" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 6.1" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.1" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" πŸ’§ Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" πŸ’§ Light watering
Nov 4.3" 5.3" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Dec β€” 4.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Claiborne Parish). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall β€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Collard Greens Planting Timeline β€” Claiborne Parish, LA

Collard Greens Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 15 Feb 15 – Mar 1
Transplant Outdoors March 22 Mar 22 – Apr 5
Direct Sow March 8 Mar 8 – Mar 29
Harvest May 17 May 17 – Jul 19
Fall Sowing August 27 Aug 27 – Sep 10

Plant 1" deep Β· 15" apart Β· Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January β€”
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing
September Fall Sowing
October β€”
November β€”
December β€”

Growing Conditions

β˜€οΈ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

πŸ’§ Water

Moderate β€” regular watering

πŸ“… Days to Maturity

55–75 days

πŸ§ͺ Soil pH

Needs 6–7 Β· Your soil: N/A

πŸ—ΊοΈ USDA Zone

Zone 8a

πŸ“† Growing Season

228 days in Claiborne Parish

Growing Tips for Claiborne Parish

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

  • Strawberries
  • Tomatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Collard Greens in Claiborne Parish, LA?

Claiborne Parish is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 22. Plan your Collard Greens planting based on this frost date β€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Claiborne Parish, LA?

Claiborne Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 22 and first fall frost is November 5.

🌱

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner β€” designed to help Claiborne Parish gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Claiborne Parish, LA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.