Your Cool Home is supported by its readers. Please assume all links are affiliate links. If you purchase something from one of our links, we make a small commission from Amazon. Thank you!
Yes, you can plant collard greens in September, and it’s actually one of the best times to get them started in many regions.
As the summer heat fades and cooler air moves in, collard greens settle in beautifully for a strong fall and winter harvest.
If you’ve been wondering whether you can plant collard greens in September, the short answer is a confident yes, provided you give them the right conditions.
In this post, we’ll look at why September works so well for planting collard greens, how to do it properly, and what to watch out for.
Let’s dig in.
Why You Can Plant Collard Greens in September
You can plant collard greens in September because this cool-season crop actually prefers the milder weather that fall brings.
Here’s why September is such a sweet spot for getting collards in the ground.
1. Cooler Temperatures Suit Collard Greens
Collard greens thrive when daytime temperatures sit between 60°F and 70°F.
September usually delivers exactly that kind of weather in most temperate regions.
When you plant collard greens in September, the plants avoid the bolting and bitterness that intense summer heat can cause.
Cool nights also help the leaves develop that sweet, tender flavor gardeners love.
2. Frost Makes Them Sweeter
One of the best reasons to plant collard greens in September is that they get to experience a light frost.
A touch of frost actually triggers the plant to convert starches into sugars, which improves the taste.
So when you plant collard greens in fall, you’re setting yourself up for a more flavorful harvest than a spring planting would give you.
3. Fewer Pests and Diseases
By September, many of the pests that plague summer gardens have already peaked and started to decline.
Aphids, cabbage worms, and flea beetles are far less aggressive in cooler weather.
That means when you plant collard greens in September, you spend less time battling bugs and more time enjoying your crop.
4. You Still Have Time Before Frost
Collard greens need roughly 60 to 80 days to reach maturity, depending on the variety.
If you plant collard greens in early to mid-September, they’ll have plenty of time to establish before the first hard freeze.
And since collards are hardy down to about 20°F, they can keep producing well into winter in many areas.
How to Plant Collard Greens in September
Planting collard greens in September is straightforward, but a few smart moves make a big difference.
Follow these steps to give your fall crop the best possible start.
1. Choose the Right Spot
Pick a spot that gets at least six hours of sunlight a day.
If you live in a hotter climate, a little afternoon shade can help when you plant collard greens in September.
Well-drained soil rich in organic matter is ideal for strong root development.
2. Prepare the Soil
Loosen the soil to about 12 inches deep and mix in compost or aged manure.
Collard greens prefer a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
Good preparation now means healthier plants when you plant collard greens this month.
3. Sow Seeds or Transplant
You can direct-sow seeds about half an inch deep, spacing them 18 to 24 inches apart.
If you started seeds indoors earlier, transplanting in September also works very well.
Either way, water gently after planting to settle the soil around the roots.
4. Water and Mulch
Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
A layer of mulch helps retain moisture and keeps soil temperatures steady as fall progresses.
This is especially important when you plant collard greens in September, since warm afternoons can still dry things out quickly.
Tips for a Successful September Planting
A few extra habits will help your collard greens flourish all season long.
1. Fertilize Gently
Collard greens are heavy feeders, so a nitrogen-rich fertilizer about three weeks after planting gives them a boost.
Just don’t overdo it, since too much nitrogen can make leaves tender and prone to pest damage.
2. Watch for Pests Early
Even in fall, cabbage worms can show up.
Check the undersides of leaves regularly and handpick any caterpillars you find.
Row covers are another simple way to protect your crop when you plant collard greens in September.
3. Harvest from the Bottom Up
Start picking outer leaves once they’re about the size of your hand.
This lets the center of the plant keep growing, so you get a continuous harvest for months.
So, Can You Plant Collard Greens in September?
You can plant collard greens in September, and it’s honestly one of the smartest times to do it.
The cooler weather, fewer pests, and the sweetness that frost brings all work in your favor.
As long as you give them good soil, steady moisture, and enough time before the first hard freeze, your collard greens will reward you with a generous fall and winter harvest.
So go ahead and plant collard greens in September, then get ready to enjoy fresh greens straight from the garden.