When to plant collards in zone 9a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 9A

Growing SeasonZone 9a

Last frost ~Feb 28First frost ~Nov 30Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

JANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJUL

Start indoors Jan 24 · Sow Feb 7 · First harvest Apr 8 · Wrap by Jul 15

Last spring frostFeb 28

Start seeds indoorsJan 24

Direct sowFeb 7

First harvestApr 8

Last harvestJul 15

Fall succession sowSep 21

First fall frostNov 30

Why these dates work in zone 9a

Zone 9a's last spring frost averages Feb 28 and first fall frost Nov 30 — about 275 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 Sep 21 for a second harvest before frost.

Common questions

How long does collards take to grow in zone 9a?

Collards matures in about 60–85 days from sowing. In zone 9a that means sowing around Feb 7 and first picking around Apr 8.

Will collards survive frost in zone 9a?

Yes — collards tolerates light frost. In zone 9a you can sow a little before the last frost (around Feb 28) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Nov 30).

Can I plant a second crop of collards in zone 9a?

Yes — in zone 9a there's time for a fall sowing around Sep 21 for a second harvest before frost.

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