Getting your collard greens planting time right in zone 7 is the key to a long and productive harvest. Knowing exactly when to plant collards in zone 7 makes all the difference between tender leaves and tough, bolted greens.
This guide gives you the simple, clear timing and steps you need. We’ll cover both spring and fall planting, which is your secret weapon in this climate.
When To Plant Collards In Zone 7
For zone 7 gardeners, you have two primary planting windows: early spring and late summer. Collards thrive in cool weather and can handle frost, which makes them perfect for your climate.
The goal is to time it so the plants mature during cool, not hot, weather. Heat makes them bitter and can cause them to bolt, or go to seed.
Spring Planting Dates
For a spring harvest, you want to get collards into the ground early. The soil needs to be workable—not frozen or too soggy.
- Direct Sow Seeds: 4 to 6 weeks before your last average spring frost date. For most of zone 7, this is between late February and mid-March.
- Transplant Seedlings: 2 to 3 weeks before the last frost. This is typically from early to late March.
Check your local frost dates, but this general timing helps them grow before summer heat arrives.
Fall Planting Dates (The Best Crop)
Fall is often the best time for collards in zone 7. The cooling temperatures make the leaves incredibly sweet, especially after a frost.
- Direct Sow Seeds: About 6 to 8 weeks before your first average fall frost date. For zone 7, this is usually from early August to early September.
- Transplant Seedlings: 4 to 6 weeks before the first fall frost, from late August to mid-September.
Fall-planted collards can often be harvested right through winter with a little protection.
Using the “Days to Maturity” Guide
Always check your seed packet. This number tells you how long from planting until harvest. For collards, it’s usually 60 to 80 days.
Count backward from your fall frost date using the “days to maturity” to find your perfect last planting date. For example, if your frost is around October 15th and your collards need 70 days, plant by August 6th.
Soil and Site Preparation
Collards aren’t too picky, but they do best in a good spot. Proper prep saves you problems later.
Choosing the Right Location
- Sunlight: Full sun (at least 6 hours) is ideal, but they tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter spring days.
- Soil: Well-draining soil rich in organic matter is key. They don’t like wet feet.
Amending Your Soil
A week or two before planting, work your soil. Add 2 to 4 inches of compost or well-rotted manure into the top 6 to 8 inches. This improves drainage and fertility.
A soil test is a great idea. Collards prefer a soil pH between 6.0 and 6.5. You can adjust this with lime if your soil is too acidic.
Step-by-Step Planting Instructions
Follow these simple steps for success whether your starting from seeds or transplants.
How to Direct Sow Collard Seeds
- Prepare a smooth, weed-free seedbed in your chosen location.
- Plant seeds about ¼ to ½ inch deep. You can sow them a little thicker and thin later.
- Space seeds roughly 3 inches apart in rows that are 18 to 24 inches apart.
- Water the seedbed gently but thoroughly. Keep the soil consistently moist until seeds sprout, which takes 5 to 10 days.
- Once seedlings are a few inches tall, thin them to their final spacing of 12 to 18 inches apart. You can eat the thinned seedlings!
How to Plant Collard Transplants
- Harden off home-started or store-bought seedlings for a week before planting. This means exposing them to outdoor conditions gradually.
- Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of your transplant.
- Place the plant in the hole, setting it at the same depth it was growing in its container.
- Backfill with soil and firm it gently around the base.
- Water deeply immediately after planting to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets.
Caring for Your Collard Plants
Once planted, collards need minimal but consistent care to produce those broad, tasty leaves.
Watering and Mulching
Collards need about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week. Water deeply at the base of the plants to encourage strong roots.
A layer of mulch (straw, shredded leaves, or grass clippings) is a game-changer. It keeps the soil moist, suppresses weeds, and keeps roots cooler in spring and warmer in fall.
Fertilizing for Growth
If your soil was well-amended, you might not need much. A side-dressing of a balanced fertilizer or compost tea about 4 and 8 weeks after planting can give them a boost.
Watch the leaves. Slow growth or pale green leaves often means they need a nitrogen-rich feed, like fish emulsion.
Pest and Disease Management
Collards are tough, but a few pests love them. Common ones in zone 7 include cabbage loopers, aphids, and flea beetles.
- Check the undersides of leaves regularly.
- Use floating row covers right after planting to block many insects.
- For caterpillars, handpick them or use an organic Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray.
- A strong spray of water can dislodge aphids.
Good spacing and crop rotation from year to year helps prevent fungal diseases.
Harvesting Your Collards
You can start harvesting as soon as leaves are large enough to eat, usually when they’re about the size of your hand.
- Harvest outer leaves: The best method is to pick the older, outer leaves first. Cut them off at the stem, and the plant will keep producing new leaves from the center.
- Whole plant harvest: You can also cut the entire plant about 4 inches above the ground. It may regrow for a second, smaller harvest.
Fall collards that have been touched by frost will have the best flavor. A light freeze makes them taste sweeter.
Overwintering Collards in Zone 7
One of the great advantages of zone 7 is the ability to harvest collards into and sometimes through the winter.
With a simple cold frame or a thick layer of straw mulch over the roots, your fall crop can survive winter temperatures. You’ll be able to pick fresh leaves during mild spells, making them a incredibly valuable winter green.
Common Questions About Growing Collards in Zone 7
Can I plant collards in the summer in zone 7?
It’s not ideal. Mid-summer heat stresses the plants, making them bitter and likely to bolt. Stick to early spring and late summer for planting.
What are good companion plants for collards?
Plant them with herbs like dill and mint to deter pests. Onions, potatoes, and beets are also good companions. Avoid planting them with other cabbage family plants (like broccoli) right next to each other to reduce pest spread.
My collard leaves have holes. What should I do?
Holes are usually from caterpillars (cabbage loopers) or flea beetles. Inspect your plants, handpick pests, and consider using an organic insecticide like Bt for caterpillars. Row covers next time can prevent the problem.
How do I save collard seeds?
Collards are biennial, meaning they produce seeds in their second year. You would need to let a plant survive the winter. In spring, it will flower and produce seed pods. Let the pods dry on the plant, then collect and store the seeds.
Can I grow collards in containers?
Absolutely. Choose a pot at least 12 inches deep and wide. Use a quality potting mix and ensure the container has good drainage. You might need to water container plants more frequently.
Timing is everything with collards. By following these zone 7 specific dates—late winter for spring and late summer for fall—you set yourself up for a succesful harvest. Prepare your soil well, keep an eye out for pests, and you’ll enjoy this nutritious green for many months. The effort you put in now will reward you with hearty meals later.