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The best time to plant collards in Virginia is in early spring for a summer harvest or in late summer for a fall and winter harvest.
If you’ve been wondering when to plant collards in Virginia, you’re in luck because this state is practically made for growing them.
Collards are a cool-season crop that thrives in Virginia’s moderate climate, and timing your planting right means the difference between tender, sweet leaves and tough, bitter ones.
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly when to plant collards in Virginia, along with tips for both spring and fall planting so you get the best results.
When to Plant Collards in Virginia
When you plant collards in Virginia really depends on which harvest you’re aiming for.
Virginia spans several growing zones, from the cooler mountains in the west to the milder coastal plains in the east, so your exact planting date shifts a bit depending on where you live.
Still, there are two main windows that work beautifully for planting collards in Virginia.
1. Early Spring for a Summer Harvest
If you want collards ready by early summer, plant them in early spring.
In most parts of Virginia, that means sowing seeds indoors about six to eight weeks before your last frost date, which usually falls between late March and mid-April.
You can also direct sow collard seeds into the garden once the soil can be worked, usually around four weeks before the last frost.
Collards planted in early spring in Virginia grow quickly as the weather warms, giving you a steady supply of leaves through June and into July.
2. Late Summer for a Fall and Winter Harvest
Many Virginia gardeners will tell you the fall crop is actually the best one.
That’s because collards planted in late summer sweeten up after the first frost, and the cool fall weather keeps the leaves tender instead of tough.
For a fall harvest, plant collards in Virginia from mid-July through August.
In the warmer coastal areas, you can push that window into early September, while in the cooler mountain regions you’ll want to plant closer to mid-July so the plants have time to mature before hard freezes arrive.
3. Consider Your Local Frost Dates
The most reliable way to know when to plant collards in Virginia is to check your local frost dates.
Collards need about 60 to 80 days to reach full maturity, though you can start harvesting baby leaves much sooner.
Count backward from your first expected fall frost if you’re planting for autumn, or forward from your last spring frost if you’re planting for summer.
Virginia’s planting zones range from 5b in the mountains to 8a along the coast, so your dates will shift depending on where you garden.
Tips for Planting Collards in Virginia
Once you’ve nailed down when to plant collards in Virginia, a few simple tips will help them thrive.
1. Pick the Right Spot
Collards love full sun but will tolerate partial shade, especially in the hotter parts of Virginia.
Plant them in well-drained soil rich in organic matter, and rotate your crop each year to avoid soil-borne diseases.
2. Water Consistently
Collards planted in Virginia’s summer heat need steady moisture to stay tender.
Aim for about an inch of water per week, and mulch around your plants to keep the soil cool and moist.
3. Watch for Pests
Cabbage worms, aphids, and flea beetles love collards as much as you do.
Check your plants regularly and use row covers or organic sprays to keep them healthy.
4. Harvest Leaves from the Bottom Up
When you plant collards in Virginia, you can start harvesting outer leaves when the plants are about a foot tall.
Pick from the bottom up and leave the center to keep growing, so you’ll enjoy fresh collards for weeks.
So, When to Plant Collards in Virginia?
You should plant collards in Virginia in early spring or late summer, depending on whether you want a summer or fall harvest.
Spring planting gives you tender leaves by early summer, while late summer planting rewards you with sweet, frost-kissed collards well into winter.
Just check your local frost dates, plant in good soil, and keep them watered.
Now that you know when to plant collards in Virginia, you’re all set to grow a bumper crop.