Growing Collard Greens in Zone 8A

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 8A 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 8A

USDA Hardiness Zone 8A has an average last spring frost around Mar 20 and first fall frost around Nov 10. 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.