When to Plant Collard Greens in Iberville Parish, LA
May to-do list for Iberville Parish, Louisiana
Here's what deserves your attention in Iberville Parish, Louisiana this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 9a and timed around your local frost dates.
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Bring in the collard greens
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
Get ahead of June
- 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.
Iberville Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 14 and the first fall frost is December 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 294 days.
At an elevation of 464 feet, Iberville Parish receives approximately 59 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 103°F, so Collard Greens may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Collard Greens will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Collard Greens root diseases.
Iberville Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
4.8-6.2
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 Iberville Parish
How your county's soil matches Collard Greens's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.8–6.2) is more acidic than Collard Greens prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Iberville Parish warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Collard Greens will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Collard Greens.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.7%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Collard Greens.
How to Plant Collard Greens
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Collard Greens
Sow every 6.3 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 21 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 10.
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 | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 3.5" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 3.5" | 6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3.5" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3.5" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 5.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.5" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3.5" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | 3.5" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Iberville Parish). 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 — Iberville Parish, LA
Collard Greens Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 17 | Jan 17 – Jan 31 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 14 | Feb 14 – Feb 28 |
| Direct Sow | January 24 | Jan 24 – Feb 14 |
| Harvest | April 11 | Apr 11 – Jun 13 |
| Fall Sowing | October 10 | Oct 10 – Oct 24 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | — |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.8"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
55–75 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
294 days in Iberville Parish
Growing Tips for Collard Greens in Iberville Parish
Direct sow Collard Greens outdoors after February 14 in Iberville Parish when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Iberville Parish dries quickly — mulch Collard Greens with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 103°F in Iberville Parish, provide afternoon shade for Collard Greens and water deeply in the morning.
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
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Collard Greens in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Collard Greens in Iberville Parish, LA?
Iberville Parish is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 14. Plan your Collard Greens planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Iberville Parish, LA?
Iberville Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 14 and first fall frost is December 5.
Your Iberville Parish Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Iberville Parish (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.