When To Plant Collard Greens In Texas

Knowing when to plant collard greens in Texas is the single most important step for a successful harvest. Get the timing right, and you’ll enjoy months of nutritious greens from your garden. This guide breaks down the optimal planting times for every region in the state, giving you a clear schedule to follow.

Texas is a big state with diverse climates. What works in Amarillo won’t necessarily work in Houston. We’ll cover the distinct growing seasons and how to adapt them to your local conditions. You’ll learn how to use the frost dates in your area as your primary guide.

Collard greens are a cool-season crop. They thrive in milder temperatures and can handle a light frost, which actually improves their flavor. The key is to time your planting so the plants mature during cool weather, not the intense heat of a Texas summer.

For most of Texas, you have two main planting windows: late summer to early fall, and late winter to early spring. The fall planting is often the most productive and easiest to manage.

Fall Planting (The Primary Season)

This is the best time to plant collard greens for a long, bountiful harvest. The goal is to get seeds or transplants in the ground so they establish before winter but mature during the cool months.

North Texas: Plant from mid-August through September.
Central Texas: Plant from late August through early October.
South Texas: Plant from September through November.
Transplants can go in about 2-4 weeks later than seeds.

Spring Planting (The Secondary Season)

A spring planting is possible but trickier. You must plant early enough to harvest before the summer heat causes bolting (flowering), which makes the leaves bitter.

North Texas: Plant as soon as the soil is workable, typically late February to March.
Central Texas: Plant in January to early February.
South Texas: Plant in January or even late December.

Understanding Your Frost Dates

Your average first and last frost dates are your best friends for planning. For fall planting, count backwards 10-12 weeks from your first average frost date. That’s your ideal seed-starting time. For spring, plant 4-6 weeks before your last average frost date.

Regional Texas Planting Calendars

East Texas (Humid Subtropical)

This region has hot summers and mild winters with good rainfall. Fall planting is very reliable here.

Fall: Plant seeds in late August to mid-September.
Spring: Plant in late January to early February.
Tip: Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases in the humidity.

Central Texas (Transition Zone)

With variable weather and shorter springs, timing is crucial. The fall season is usually longer and more productive.

Fall: Plant seeds from Labor Day to mid-October.
Spring: Aim for a short harvest window by planting in early February.
Tip: Use row covers for unexpected late frosts in spring or early freezes in fall.

South Texas & The Valley (Subtropical)

Winters are very mild, and summers are long and hot. You can grow collards almost all winter.

Fall: Plant from October through December.
Spring: Plant in January for an early harvest before May heat.
Tip: You can often succession plant through the winter for a continuous supply.

West Texas & Panhandle (Arid & Continental)

This area has colder winters and a shorter growing season. Protecting plants from early freezes is key.

Fall: Plant seeds in early to mid-August for sure.
Spring: Wait until soil thaws and plant in April for a late spring harvest.
Tip: Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture and moderate soil temperature.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

1. Choosing Your Planting Method

You can start collards from seeds sown directly in the garden or from transplants you buy or start indoors.

Direct Seeding: Simplest method. Sow seeds ¼ to ½ inch deep.
Transplants: Gives you a 3-4 week head start, especially useful for spring planting to beat the heat.

2. Preparing Your Soil

Collards prefer fertile, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0).

Loosen the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches.
Mix in 2-4 inches of compost or well-rotted manure.
Add a balanced, slow-release organic fertilizer according to package directions.

3. Planting & Spacing

Proper spacing prevents disease and promotes growth.

Rows: Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart in rows 30 inches apart.
Blocks: Space plants 18 inches apart in all directions for intensive gardening.
If direct seeding, thin seedlings to the proper spacing when they have 3-4 true leaves.

4. Essential Care After Planting

Consistent care ensures healthy, tender leaves.

Watering: Provide 1-1.5 inches of water per week. Water deeply at the base to encourage deep roots.
Mulching: Apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch (straw, shredded leaves) to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Fertilizing: Side-dress plants with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer (like blood meal or a balanced organic blend) 4-6 weeks after planting.

Common Problems and Solutions

Even with perfect timing, you might face a few challenges. Here’s how to handle common Texas-sized issues.

Pests

Cabbage Loopers & Imported Cabbageworms: Handpick or use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a natural bacterial spray.
Aphids: Blast them off with a strong jet of water or use insecticidal soap.
Flea Beetles: Use floating row covers as a barrier, especially on young plants.

Diseases

Fungal Leaf Spots: Avoid overhead watering. Remove affected leaves and ensure good spacing for air flow.
Black Rot: This serious disease is best prevented by planting disease-resistant varieties and rotating crops yearly.

Environmental Stress

Heat: If an unexpected heatwave hits, use shade cloth to protect your spring crop and water consistently.
Bolting: If plants start to flower prematurely, harvest the entire plant immediately, as leaf quality declines rapidly.

Harvesting Your Texas Collards

You can start harvesting leaves when the plant is about 10-12 inches tall. The are several methods.

Whole Plant: Cut the entire plant at the base. This is good if you need a large quantity at once.
Leaf-by-Leaf: Harvest the larger, outer leaves first, leaving the central bud to continue producing new growth. This “cut-and-come-again” method extends your harvest for months.
Best Flavor: Harvest after a light frost; the cold converts starches to sugars, making the leaves sweeter.

Recommended Varieties for Texas

Choosing the right variety can improve your success. Look for heat-tolerant and bolt-resistant types, especially for spring.

Georgia Southern: A classic, heat-tolerant heirloom that performs well across Texas.
Champion: Known for its bolt resistance and tender leaves, good for spring planting.
Vates: Dwarf, cold-tolerant variety excellent for fall and winter harvests in all regions.
Flash: A fast-maturing hybrid good for getting a quick crop in during shorter seasons.

FAQ: Planting Collard Greens in Texas

Can you grow collard greens in Texas year-round?

In the very southern parts of Texas (like the Rio Grande Valley), you can grow them through the winter. In most of the state, the summer heat is too intense for good quality, so stick to the spring and fall windows.

What is the latest you can plant collard greens in Texas for fall?

For a fall harvest, aim to get seeds in the ground at least 8-10 weeks before your first expected hard frost. Transplants can go in a bit later, about 6-8 weeks before that frost. Planting to late risks the plants being to small to survive a hard freeze.

Do collards need full sun in Texas?

They prefer full sun (6-8 hours) for best growth. In hotter regions like South Texas, providing afternoon shade can help prevent wilting and stress during the warmer parts of the fall and spring seasons.

How long do collard greens take to grow?

From seed, most collard varieties take 60-85 days to reach maturity for a full harvest. You can begin harvesting individual leaves in as little as 30-40 days after planting if your careful not to take to many.

Can I plant collards in October in Texas?

Yes, in Central and South Texas, October is an excellent time for planting seeds or transplants. In North Texas, October is usually the cutoff for seeding, but transplants may still be established successfully.

By aligning your planting with Texas’s unique regional climates, you set your collard greens up for a productive season. Remember, the fall planting is your most reliable bet for a long harvest. With the right timing and basic care, you’ll have a steady supply of this hearty, healthy green from your own backyard.