When to plant collards in zone 5b — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 5B

Growing SeasonZone 5b

Last frost ~May 15First frost ~Sep 30Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

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Start indoors Apr 10 · Sow Apr 24 · First harvest Jun 23 · Wrap by Sep 29

Last spring frostMay 15

Start seeds indoorsApr 10

Direct sowApr 24

First harvestJun 23

Last harvestSep 29

Fall succession sowJul 22

First fall frostSep 30

Why these dates work in zone 5b

Zone 5b's last spring frost averages May 15 and first fall frost Sep 30 — about 138 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 Jul 22 for a second harvest before frost.

Common questions

How long does collards take to grow in zone 5b?

Collards matures in about 60–85 days from sowing. In zone 5b that means sowing around Apr 24 and first picking around Jun 23.

Will collards survive frost in zone 5b?

Yes — collards tolerates light frost. In zone 5b you can sow a little before the last frost (around May 15) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Sep 30).

Can I plant a second crop of collards in zone 5b?

Yes — in zone 5b there's time for a fall sowing around Jul 22 for a second harvest before frost.

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