Getting your collard greens planting time right in Georgia is the key to a long, productive harvest. If you’re wondering when to plant collards in Georgia, you’re in the right place. Our state’s long growing season and varied climate zones offer two main planting windows for this beloved leafy green. This guide will walk you through the optimal schedule for your area, along with simple tips for success.
When to Plant Collards in Georgia
Georgia’s climate is perfect for collards, allowing for both spring and fall plantings. The fall planting is often the most succesful for home gardeners. Cool weather makes collards sweeter and protects them from bolting. For a spring harvest, you need to plant early. For a fall and winter harvest, you plant in late summer. Your specific dates depend on whether you live in North, Central, or South Georgia.
Understanding Georgia’s Growing Zones
Georgia spans USDA plant hardiness zones 6b through 9a. This means our first and last frost dates vary a lot.
- North Georgia (Zones 6b-7b): Last spring frost around April 15. First fall frost around October 15.
- Central Georgia (Zones 8a-8b): Last spring frost around March 23. First fall frost around November 7.
- South Georgia (Zone 9a): Last spring frost around March 7. First fall frost around November 25.
Collards are frost-tolerant, but timing is still crucial to avoid extreme heat or cold at the wrong stage.
Spring Planting Schedule
Spring planting is a race against summer heat. You want collards to mature before the scorching temps arrive, which can make them bitter and cause them to bolt (flower).
- North GA: Plant seeds directly in the garden or set out transplants from March 15 to April 1.
- Central GA: Plant seeds or transplants from February 15 to March 10.
- South GA: Plant seeds or transplants from January 25 to February 20.
You can start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before these dates for a head start. Use row covers if a late frost is predicted after planting.
Fall Planting Schedule (The Best Time)
Fall is the premier season for collards in Georgia. Plants established in late summer grow quickly, then slow down and sweeten with the cool fall nights. You’ll be harvesting well into winter.
- North GA: Plant seeds directly in the garden from July 15 to August 15. Transplants can go in until early September.
- Central GA: Plant seeds from August 1 to September 1. Transplants can go in until mid-September.
- South GA: Plant seeds from August 15 to September 15. Transplants can go in until early October.
The goal is to have plants about half-grown by the time your first fall frost arrives. They are incredibly cold-hardy and can survive temps down to the teens, especially with some protection.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
Follow these steps for healthy collard plants.
1. Choose the Right Spot & Soil
Collards need full sun (at least 6 hours) but can tolerate partial afternoon shade in hotter regions. The soil should be well-draining and rich in organic matter. Work in several inches of compost or aged manure before planting. Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 6.5.
2. Planting Seeds or Transplants
You have two options, and both work great.
- Direct Seeding: Sow seeds ¼ to ½ inch deep. Space them about 3 inches apart. Later, you’ll thin seedlings to 12-18 inches apart.
- Using Transplants: This gives you a faster harvest. Set plants in the ground at the same depth they were in their pot. Space them 12 to 18 inches apart in rows 2-3 feet apart.
Water thoroughly right after planting to settle the soil.
3. Watering and Feeding
Consistent moisture is vital, especially for seedlings and during dry spells. Water deeply at the base of the plants, providing about 1-1.5 inches per week. A layer of mulch helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Feed your collards with a balanced fertilizer or a side-dressing of compost about 3-4 weeks after transplanting.
4. Pest and Disease Management
Keep an eye out for common pests like cabbage loopers, aphids, and flea beetles. Check the undersides of leaves regularly. You can often manage them by hand-picking or using a strong spray of water. For worse infestations, consider organic options like Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) for caterpillars. Good spacing and crop rotation helps prevent fungal diseases.
Harvesting Your Georgia Collards
You can start harvesting leaves when they are about 10 inches long. The classic method is to pick the older, lower leaves first, allowing the younger center leaves to continue growing. This “cut-and-come-again” approach gives you months of harvest. For a fall planting, a light frost or two will actually improve the flavor, making the leaves sweeter.
In winter, the entire plant can be harvested if a hard freeze is forcasted. Just cut the whole plant at the base.
Recommended Collard Varieties for Georgia
Some tried-and-true varieties perform exceptionally well here.
- Georgia Southern (Creole): A classic, heat-tolerant heirloom with great flavor.
- Champion: A compact, prolific plant that’s perfect for smaller gardens.
- Vates: Very cold-tolerant with smooth, dark blue-green leaves.
- Flash: A hybrid known for its fast growth and resistance to bolting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you plant collards in the summer in Georgia?
It’s not ideal. Mid-summer heat stresses the plants, leading to bitter leaves and bolting. The exception is planting in late summer for a fall crop, as the seedlings will mature in cooler weather.
How late can you plant collards in Georgia?
For a fall crop, you can plant seeds until about 8-10 weeks before your first expected hard freeze. Transplants can go in a few weeks later. In South Georgia, you can sometimes plant in very early spring for a late spring harvest.
Do collards come back every year?
Collards are biennials, but we grow them as annuals. They won’t reliably survive our summer heat if left in the ground from the previous fall, though they may occasionally survive a mild winter and send up new shoots.
What is the best month to plant collard greens?
For most of Georgia, August is the prime month for planting seeds for a fall harvest. For a spring harvest, February or early March is best for Central and South Georgia, with North Georgia following in late March.
Can I grow collards in a container?
Absolutely. Choose a pot at least 12 inches deep and wide. Use a quality potting mix, ensure good drainage, and water more frequently as containers dry out faster. A compact variety like ‘Champion’ works well.
By following this Georgia-specific schedule, you’ll be able to enjoy homegrown collards for much of the year. Remember, the fall planting often yields the sweetest, most tender leaves. With a little planning and these simple steps, you’ll have a plentiful supply of this nutritious Southern staple right from your own backyard.