When to plant collards in zone 3b — planting calendar

Growing SeasonZone 3b

Last frost ~May 6First frost ~Oct 22Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

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Start indoors Apr 1 · Sow Apr 15 · First harvest Jun 14 · Wrap by Sep 20

Last spring frostMay 6

Start seeds indoorsApr 1

Direct sowApr 15

First harvestJun 14

Last harvestSep 20

Fall succession sowAug 13

First fall frostOct 22

Why these dates work in zone 3b

Zone 3b's last spring frost averages May 6 and first fall frost Oct 22 — about 169 frost-free days. Collards tolerates light frost, so you can sow ahead of the last-frost date and keep harvesting into the cooler fall. Starting seeds indoors 5 weeks ahead gives strong transplants ready the moment the soil warms. There's also room for a fall succession sowing around Aug 13 for a second harvest before frost.

Common questions

How long does collards take to grow in zone 3b?

Collards matures in about 60–85 days from sowing. In zone 3b that means sowing around Apr 15 and first picking around Jun 14.

Will collards survive frost in zone 3b?

Yes — collards tolerates light frost. In zone 3b you can sow a little before the last frost (around May 6) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Oct 22).

Can I plant a second crop of collards in zone 3b?

Yes — in zone 3b there's time for a fall sowing around Aug 13 for a second harvest before frost.

For soil, spacing, pests and companion planting, see the full collards growing guide →

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