If you’re planning your North Carolina garden, knowing when to plant collards in NC is the first step to a great harvest. Getting the timing right is the key to growing healthy, productive plants that can handle our unique seasons.
Collards are a fantastic crop for our state because they thrive in cooler weather and can even sweeten up after a frost. This guide will walk you through the optimal planting windows for every region, from the mountains to the coast. You’ll learn how to schedule your planting for a continuous supply of these nutritious greens.
When to Plant Collards in NC
North Carolina’s long growing season is perfect for collards. You can actually plant them twice a year for the best results. The primary planting times are in late summer for a fall and winter harvest, and again in early spring for a late spring or early summer crop.
For a fall harvest, which is often the most productive and flavorful, timing is everything. You want the plants to mature during the cool, crisp days of autumn.
- Fall Planting (Recommended): Plant seeds directly in the garden from July 15th through August 20th. In the warmer coastal plain, you can often stretch this into early September.
- Spring Planting: Sow seeds directly in the garden 4 to 6 weeks before your last average spring frost date. For most of NC, this is between mid-March and mid-April.
Understanding Your North Carolina Growing Zone
NC spans USDA plant hardiness zones 6a in the mountains to 8a along the coast. This variation means your specific location changes your planting dates by a few weeks.
- Mountains (Zone 6-7): Start spring planting in early April. Begin fall planting in early to mid-July to ensure maturity before the first hard freeze.
- Piedmont (Zone 7-7b): This is the sweet spot. Aim for spring planting in late March. For fall, target late July to early August.
- Coastal Plain (Zone 7b-8a): You can start spring seeds in mid-March. For fall, you have more flexibility, often from early August to early September.
Why Fall Planting is Often Best
Many experienced gardeners in NC prefer fall-planted collards. The plants grow rapidly in the warm soil of late summer, then mature as temperatures cool. Cool weather reduces pest pressure from bugs like cabbage loopers. Most importantly, exposure to light frosts triggers the plant to convert starches to sugars, making the leaves incredibly sweet and tender.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
Once you’ve got your date, follow these steps for success.
1. Choosing a Site and Preparing Soil
Collards need full sun, at least 6 hours daily. They prefer well-drained soil rich in organic matter. A week or two before planting, work 2-3 inches of compost or aged manure into the top 6-8 inches of soil. A soil test from NC State Extension is always a good idea to check pH; collards like a pH between 6.0 and 6.5.
2. Planting Seeds or Transplants
You can direct-seed or use transplants. For direct seeding:
- Create a shallow furrow about ½ inch deep.
- Sow seeds thinly, spacing them about an inch apart.
- Cover lightly with soil and water gently.
- Once seedlings are 3-4 inches tall, thin them to stand 12-18 inches apart. You can eat the thinnings!
For a head start, especially in spring, you can use transplants. Set them in the ground at the same 12-18 inch spacing.
3. Watering and Feeding Your Plants
Consistent moisture is crucial, especially for germination and during dry spells. Aim for 1-1.5 inches of water per week. A layer of mulch helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Feed your plants with a balanced, all-purpose vegetable fertilizer about 3 and 6 weeks after transplanting, following the label instructions carefully. Over-fertilizing can lead to lots of leaf growth but poor flavor.
Seasonal Care and Harvesting Tips
Managing Pests and Diseases
Common pests include cabbage worms, aphids, and flea beetles. Check the undersides of leaves regularly. Handpick larger pests and use a strong spray of water for aphids. For severe issues, consider organic options like Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) for caterpillars. Good spacing and crop rotation from year to year helps prevent fungal diseases.
How and When to Harvest
You can start harvesting leaves when the plant is about 10-12 inches tall. Always harvest from the bottom of the plant upwards.
- Whole Plant Harvest: Cut the entire plant at the base once it’s fully mature.
- “Cut-and-Come-Again” Method (Recommended): Pick the larger, outer leaves first, leaving the central growing bud intact. The plant will keep producing new leaves from the center for weeks or even months.
Fall-planted collards often survive winter, especially in eastern NC. They may go dormant in the coldest weeks but will often send up fresh, new leaves in very early spring, giving you a bonus harvest.
Common Questions About Growing Collards in North Carolina
Q: Can I plant collards in NC in the summer?
A: It’s not ideal. Planting in the peak heat of June or early July often leads to tough, bitter leaves and severe pest problems. It’s better to wait for the late summer planting window.
Q: What are the best collard varieties for NC gardens?
A: Heirloom favorites like ‘Georgia Southern’ and ‘Vates’ are extremely reliable and cold-tolerant. ‘Champion’ is a compact, smooth-leaved variety that’s also a great performer here.
Q: How long does it take for collards to grow?
A> Most varieties take 60 to 80 days to mature from seed for a full harvest. But you can begin picking individual leaves in as little as 30-40 days.
Q: Can I grow collards in a container?
A: Absolutely. Choose a pot at least 12 inches deep and wide. Use a quality potting mix and be diligent about watering, as containers dry out faster. A single plant per large pot is best.
Q: Do collards come back every year?
A: No, they are technically a biennial but are grown as an annual. They will eventually bolt (send up a flower stalk) in their second spring. However, as mentioned, fall plants can provide a early spring harvest before they complete there lifecycle.
By following these timing guidelines and care tips, you’ll be well on your way to a bountiful collard harvest. The robust plants can provide food for your table for many months, making them a truly valuable addition to any North Carolina garden. Remember, local conditions can vary, so chatting with neighbors or your county’s Cooperative Extension office can provide the final, perfect timing for your specific backyard.