Collard greens are a popular, cool-season crop for Texas gardeners. This vegetable can withstand colder temperatures and often tastes sweeter after a light frost. However, Texas’s vast size means planting times fluctuate significantly by region. Gardeners must time their planting precisely to avoid the intense summer heat and ensure a successful harvest.
Understanding Collard Preferences in Texas Climates
The collard plant thrives in cool weather and is intolerant of the prolonged high temperatures of a Texas summer. The two most important climate factors dictating planting time are the last expected spring frost and the onset of extreme heat. A spring crop must be timed to mature before temperatures consistently exceed the threshold that triggers a physiological change in the plant.
Once the air temperature rises and stays above approximately 85°F, collards will often initiate bolting. Bolting causes the plant to prematurely send up a flower stalk and go to seed, which rapidly makes the leaves bitter and tough, ending the harvest. Conversely, the fall crop benefits from a few light frosts, which converts starches in the leaves to sugars, significantly improving the flavor. The goal is always to provide the longest possible growing period under cool conditions.
Regional Planting Timelines for Spring and Fall Crops
Texas is divided into three distinct planting zones to ensure an optimal harvest. Each region has a unique planting window for spring and fall crops, based on its average frost dates. Transplants are generally preferred for the spring crop to gain a head start, while direct seeding works well for the fall crop.
North Texas
In North Texas (e.g., Dallas and Fort Worth), the spring planting window for transplants opens from late January to mid-February. This timing establishes plants four to six weeks before the average last freeze in early March. For a fall harvest, seeds or transplants should be set out in late July through mid-August, allowing them to mature before the first expected hard frost in November.
Central Texas
Central Texas, including the Austin and San Antonio areas, benefits from a slightly earlier schedule due to milder winters. Spring transplants can be set out from mid-February through the end of March. Fall planting can be extended into early September, with the best window for sowing seeds or setting out transplants starting in mid-August.
Coastal and South Texas
Gardeners in Coastal and South Texas enjoy the longest growing season, often allowing collards to produce throughout the winter. Spring planting can begin as early as January 15 and continue through late March, taking advantage of the minimal frost risk. For a continuous fall and winter harvest, the planting window is typically from September 1 through October, with some coastal areas planting into December.
Essential Steps for Successful Collard Establishment
Once the regional planting date is determined, successful establishment depends on proper site and soil preparation. Collard greens require at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for the best growth. They will tolerate partial shade, particularly when establishing a fall crop. The soil should be well-drained and dug deeply, as collard roots can extend two feet or more into the ground.
Before planting, incorporate generous amounts of organic matter, such as compost or aged manure, to improve fertility and drainage. A soil pH between 6.0 and 7.5 is ideal for discouraging common diseases. Space transplants 18 to 24 inches apart to ensure adequate air circulation and room for the large leaves to develop. Immediately after planting, water the transplants thoroughly to settle the soil and reduce transplant shock, then maintain consistent soil moisture throughout the establishment period.