When to Plant Collard Greens in Prince George County, VA
May to-do list for Prince George County, Virginia
Your garden in Prince George County, Virginia is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this May.
-
Start collard greens indoors
These need a head start before your last frost (April 2). Sow into cells now so you're ready to transplant in a few weeks.
-
Basket week: collard greens
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
June will be here before you know it — start on
- 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.
Prince George County, Virginia is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 2 and the first fall frost is November 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 215 days.
At an elevation of 724 feet, Prince George County receives approximately 43.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Collard Greens during the growing season.
Prince George County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-7.1
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 Prince George County
How your county's soil matches Collard Greens's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–7.1) overlaps with Collard Greens's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Prince George County is excellent for Collard Greens — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Collard Greens.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). Annual compost additions will help Collard Greens.
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 20 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 25.
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 | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.5" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3.5" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 3.1" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.5" | 2.8" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 3.5" | 3.3" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Prince George 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 — Prince George County, VA
Collard Greens Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 26 | Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Direct Sow | March 19 | Mar 19 – Apr 9 |
| Harvest | May 28 | May 28 – Jul 30 |
| Fall Sowing | August 25 | Aug 25 – Sep 8 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
215 days in Prince George County
Growing Tips for Collard Greens in Prince George County
Direct sow Collard Greens outdoors after April 02 in Prince George 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 Prince George County, VA?
Prince George County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 2. Plan your Collard Greens planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Prince George County, VA?
Prince George County, Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 2 and first fall frost is November 3.
Your Prince George County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Prince George County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.