When to Plant Collard Greens in Lafayette Parish, LA
May in Lafayette Parish, Louisiana — your action list
Your Lafayette Parish, Louisiana garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
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Basket week: collard greens
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
Before June 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.
Lafayette Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 13 and the first fall frost is December 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 295 days.
At an elevation of 129 feet, Lafayette Parish receives approximately 48.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 104°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.
Lafayette Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
4.8-6.4
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 Lafayette Parish
How your county's soil matches Collard Greens's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.8–6.4) is more acidic than Collard Greens prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Lafayette 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 (1.8%). 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 | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 3.5" | 3.4" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 3.5" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3.5" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3.5" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.5" | 3.4" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 3.5" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | 3.5" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Lafayette 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 — Lafayette Parish, LA
Collard Greens Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 16 | Jan 16 – Jan 30 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 13 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 |
| Direct Sow | January 23 | Jan 23 – Feb 13 |
| Harvest | April 10 | Apr 10 – Jun 12 |
| 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
295 days in Lafayette Parish
Growing Tips for Collard Greens in Lafayette Parish
Direct sow Collard Greens outdoors after February 13 in Lafayette Parish when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Lafayette 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 104°F in Lafayette 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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Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Collard Greens in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Collard Greens in Lafayette Parish, LA?
Lafayette Parish is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 13. Plan your Collard Greens planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lafayette Parish, LA?
Lafayette Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 13 and first fall frost is December 5.
Your Lafayette Parish Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Lafayette 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.