When To Plant Collards In Zone 8

Knowing when to plant collards in zone 8 is the key to a long, productive harvest of these nutritious greens. This guide will walk you through the optimal planting seasons and techniques to ensure your success.

For gardeners in zone 8, you have two excellent planting windows: late summer for a fall and winter harvest, and early spring for a late spring or early summer harvest. The mild winters of zone 8 are perfect for collards, as a touch of frost actually improves their flavor, making them sweeter.

Understanding Your Zone 8 Climate

USDA Hardiness Zone 8 includes areas with average annual minimum temperatures between 10°F and 20°F. This means winters are relatively mild, but you will still see some freezes. Collards are exceptionally cold-tolerant, surviving down to about 10°F once established. Your growing season is long, but timing is still crucial to avoid the worst summer heat.

The intense summer heat of zone 8 can cause collards to bolt, which means they send up a flower stalk and become bitter. Therefore, planning your planting around the heat is essential.

Primary Planting: The Fall & Winter Crop

This is the most popular and reliable planting time in zone 8. Planting in late summer allows the plants to mature during the cool fall and sweeten through winter frosts.

Optimal Planting Dates: Aim to plant your seeds or transplants between August 1st and September 15th.
Goal: Plants should be well-established (about 6-8 weeks old) before your first expected frost date.
Harvest Period: You can begin harvesting leaves in late fall and continue all through winter.

For a continuous winter harvest, consider making two plantings about two weeks apart in August. This staggers their maturity.

Secondary Planting: The Early Spring Crop

You can also plant collards in early spring for a harvest before the summer heat arrives. This requires more precise timing.

Optimal Planting Dates: Plant as soon as the soil is workable, typically between February 15th and March 15th.
Goal: Harvest the main crop before daytime temperatures consistently exceed 80°F.
Challenge: A late cold snap can slow growth, and an early heatwave can trigger bolting.

How to Plant Collard Greens Step-by-Step

Follow these steps for a healthy start whether your planting in spring or fall.

Choose Your Site: Select a spot that gets full sun (at least 6 hours). In warmer parts of zone 8, afternoon shade in the summer can be beneficial for spring-planted crops.
Prepare the Soil: Collards thrive in rich, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. Work in 2-3 inches of compost or well-rotted manure before planting. This improves fertility and drainage.
Direct Seed or Transplants: You can sow seeds directly or start them indoors. For direct seeding, plant seeds ¼ to ½ inch deep. For a fall crop, starting seeds indoors in July can give you a head start on the season.
Spacing is Key: Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart in rows that are 24 to 36 inches apart. Collards get large, and good air circulation prevents disease.
Water Thoroughly: Water deeply immediately after planting to settle the soil around the seeds or roots. Keep the soil consistently moist for the first few weeks.

Caring for Your Collard Plants

Once planted, collards are relatively low-maintenance, but they do need consistent care for the best yield.

Watering and Mulching

Provide 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week. Deep, less frequent watering is better than daily light sprinkles. It encourages deep roots. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch, like straw or shredded leaves, around the plants. This conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, and keeps soil temperatures even.

Fertilizing for Growth

Because you want lots of leafy growth, collards benefit from a nitrogen-rich fertilizer. A balanced organic fertilizer applied at planting is a good start. Then, side-dress the plants with a nitrogen source, like blood meal or a light application of compost tea, about 4 and 8 weeks after transplanting.

Pest and Disease Management

Common pests include cabbage loopers, aphids, and flea beetles. Check the undersides of leaves regularly.

Handpick caterpillars off the plants.
Use floating row covers to prevent moths from laying eggs.
A strong spray of water can dislodge aphids.
For severe infestations, use an organic insecticidal soap.

Good spacing and avoiding overhead watering helps prevent fungal diseases like downy mildew.

Harvesting Your Collards

You can begin harvesting when leaves are about the size of your hand. There are two main methods:

Whole Plant Harvest: Cut the entire plant at the base when it is mature.
Cut-and-Come-Again: This is the preferred method for a continuous harvest. Start by picking the oldest, lowest leaves first. Always leave at least 4-6 of the small, central leaves at the top so the plant can continue growing.

Harvest in the morning when leaves are crisp and full of moisture. The flavor is often best after a light frost, as the cold causes the plant to convert starches to sugars.

Common Questions About Growing Collards in Zone 8

Can collards survive a freeze in zone 8?
Yes, they are very hardy. Established collard plants can handle temperatures down to 10°F. In fact, a light frost makes them taste better.

What if I planted my collards too late in the spring?
If they are facing imminent hot weather, provide afternoon shade with a shade cloth and ensure they have plenty of water. Harvest leaves promptly to encourage new growth and prevent bolting.

Can I grow collards in containers in zone 8?
Absolutely. Use a large pot (at least 12 inches deep and wide) with drainage holes. Use a high-quality potting mix and water more frequently, as containers dry out faster. This is a great option for patios or small spaces.

Why are my collard leaves turning yellow?
Yellowing can be caused by several factors: overwatering or poor drainage, a nitrogen deficiency in the soil, or pest damage. Check the soil moisture and inspect the undersides of leaves for insects first.

Should I cover my collards during a hard freeze?
For temperatures below 20°F, especially if the freeze is prolonged, covering plants with a frost cloth or old bedsheet can offer extra protection. Remove the cover during the day.

By following this guide for when to plant collards in zone 8, you can enjoy this versatile green for much of the year. The fall planting is especially rewarding, providing fresh, homegrown greens even in the cooler months when other garden vegetables have faded. With a little planning and these simple steps, you’ll be on your way to a bountiful collard harvest.