Growing Collard Greens in Zone 7A

Collard greens are a Southern staple that’s tougher than kale and more heat-tolerant than most cool-season greens. A light frost sweetens the leaves significantly.

Zone 7A enjoys a long growing season. You can often get two plantings of cool-season crops (spring and fall).

Top Growing Tips

• Start indoors 6 weeks before last frost or direct sow 4 weeks before
• Transplant when seedlings have 3-4 true leaves
• Harvest outer leaves from the bottom up; the plant keeps growing from the center
• Fall plantings often produce the sweetest greens after frost
• Tolerates poor soil better than most brassicas, but rewards compost-enriched beds

Companion Planting

Good companions: onions, garlic, aromatic herbs (dill, chamomile)

Avoid planting near: strawberries, grapes, tomatoes

Harvest Timeline

60-75 days from transplant; harvest leaves when they reach 8-10 inches

About Zone 7A

USDA Hardiness Zone 7A has an average last spring frost around Apr 5 and first fall frost around Oct 28. All planting dates above are calculated from these frost dates. Your specific location may vary — check with your local extension office for the most accurate dates.