Best Time to Plant Collards in Georgia

If you're planning to grow collards in Georgia, timing is everything. Collards are a staple of Southern cuisine, and for good reason; they're tasty, easy to grow, and packed with nutrients like vitamins A, C, and K. But you can't just plant them any time of year and expect success. Here's what you need to know about when to plant collards in Georgia.

Georgia's Planting Zones

Before we dive into the best time to plant collards, let's talk about Georgia's planting zones. Georgia falls into USDA Hardiness Zones 6b-9a. This means that the state's climate ranges from cool, mountainous regions to subtropical coastal plains. Knowing your planting zone can help you determine the best time to plant collards in your area.

Best Time to Plant Collards in Georgia

The best time to plant collards in Georgia depends on where you live within the state. In general, collards are a cool-season crop that prefers temperatures between 60-65 degrees F. Here's a breakdown of when to plant collards based on the different regions of Georgia:

Northern Georgia

If you live in the mountains or northern part of Georgia, the best time to plant collards is in early spring, around mid-March. This will give your collards plenty of time to grow before the summer heat arrives. You can also plant a fall crop in late summer, around late August or early September.

Central Georgia

If you live in central Georgia, including the Atlanta metro area, you can plant collards in both the spring and fall. For the spring, plant around mid-March or early April. For the fall, plant in late August or early September.

Coastal Georgia

If you live in coastal Georgia, which has a more subtropical climate, the best time to plant collards is in the fall. Plant in late August or early September to take advantage of the cooler fall temperatures. You can also plant in early spring, but the heat and humidity of summer may cause problems for your collards.

Tips for Planting Collards in Georgia

Once you've determined the best time to plant collards in your region of Georgia, here are some tips for success:

Plant collards in well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter.

Collards prefer full sun but can tolerate some shade.

Water regularly, especially during dry spells.

Use organic fertilizer, such as compost or fish emulsion, instead of chemical fertilizers.

Protect your collards from pests like aphids, cabbage worms, and flea beetles.

Harvest leaves when they reach about 10-12 inches long, starting from the bottom of the plant.

The Bottom Line

Collards can be a wonderful addition to your Georgia garden, but timing is everything. Depending on where you live in the state, the best time to plant collards may vary. Use the tips above to ensure success, and enjoy a tasty, nutrient-packed crop of collards.