Collard Greens in Zone 7A — Texas

Collard greens thrive in our Texas climate, offering a slightly bitter, earthy flavor that's fantastic braised, sauteed, or even added raw to salads. They're a versatile staple for Southern cooking, and it's incredibly satisfying to harvest your own fresh greens, especially in the cooler months. Plus, you can get two harvests: one in spring, and another in the fall.

Our unpredictable weather can be a challenge, from the brutal Texas heat to the occasional unexpected freeze. But don't worry, collards are surprisingly resilient, and with a 245-day growing season, we have plenty of opportunities to get them right. Careful timing is key, and we'll cover that below.

Starting collard greens indoors gives you a head start, especially for the spring crop. You have about a month to start them indoors, from early February through early March, giving you about 4 weeks before transplanting. Use seed trays or small pots filled with seed-starting mix, and keep them in a warm spot with plenty of light – a sunny windowsill or under grow lights.

Water from the bottom by setting the tray in a shallow dish of water, allowing the soil to soak it up. This prevents damping-off disease. Given how early our spring warm spells arrive, starting indoors can give you a jump on the season, allowing you to plant early, harvest early.

Transplant your collard greens seedlings outdoors from mid March through mid April. Before planting, harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week. Start with an hour or two of shade, increasing the time and sun exposure each day.

Space the seedlings 18-24 inches apart in well-drained soil. Keep an eye on the weather forecast; a late freeze is always possible, so be ready to cover your young plants if temperatures drop unexpectedly.

Direct sowing collard greens is a simple and effective method, especially for the fall crop. You can sow seeds directly into the garden from early March through mid August. Prepare the soil by loosening it and removing any rocks or debris.

Sow seeds about ½ inch deep, spacing them 18-24 inches apart. Keep the soil consistently moist until the seeds germinate. Direct sowing avoids transplant shock, but you'll need to be vigilant about weeding and protecting the young seedlings from pests.

Consistent watering is essential for healthy collard greens, especially during our hot Texas summers. While they're more heat-tolerant than some other brassicas, they still need regular moisture to thrive. Aim for consistently moist soil, but not waterlogged.

During the spring and fall, when temperatures are milder, water deeply once or twice a week, providing about 1 inch of water each time. In the heat of summer, you may need to water every other day, or even daily, to keep the soil from drying out completely. Use the finger test: stick your finger into the soil about 2 inches deep. If it feels dry, it's time to water.

Water at the base of the plants to avoid wetting the leaves, which can encourage fungal diseases in our variable humidity. Signs of underwatering include wilting leaves and stunted growth. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so make sure the soil drains well. A layer of mulch around the plants will help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

You can expect your first harvest of collard greens from mid May through late November, about 75 days after planting. The best time to harvest is when the lower leaves are 10-12 inches long. Pick the outer leaves, leaving the central rosette to continue growing.

This allows for continuous harvesting throughout the season. The flavor of collard greens actually sweetens after a light frost, so don't be afraid to leave them in the garden as temperatures drop. As our typical first frost approaches in mid- November, harvest any remaining large leaves to enjoy before the cold sets in.

Collard greens, like all plants, can face a few challenges in the Texas garden. Here are some common problems and how to deal with them:

• Cabbage Worms
• What it looks like: Smooth green caterpillars chewing irregular holes in leaves. You might also see dark green droppings and white butterflies fluttering around.
• What causes it: These are the larvae of white cabbage butterflies, and they can have multiple generations in our long, warm growing season.
• How to fix/prevent it: Bt spray is very effective. Floating row covers can prevent the butterflies from laying eggs. You can also handpick the caterpillars or interplant with aromatic herbs like thyme and sage.
• Aphids
• What it looks like: Clusters of tiny insects (green, black, or white) on stems and leaf undersides. You might also see sticky honeydew and curled or distorted new growth.
• What causes it: Aphids are sap-sucking insects that reproduce rapidly, especially in warm weather. Ants often "farm" them for their honeydew.
• How to fix/prevent it: A strong spray of water can knock them off. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can help with heavy infestations. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen, which attracts them.
• Cabbage Loopers
• What it looks like: Similar to cabbage worms, these are light green caterpillars that move in a looping motion. They also chew holes in leaves.
• What causes it: Similar to cabbage worms, these are the larvae of moths that lay eggs on your plants.
• How to fix/prevent it: Bt spray is effective, as is handpicking. Row covers can also help.
• Downy Mildew
• What it looks like: Yellow patches on the upper leaf surface with fuzzy gray-purple growth on the undersides. Leaves can brown and die from the bottom up.
• What causes it: A pathogen that spreads in cool, humid conditions.
• How to fix/prevent it: Remove affected leaves immediately and improve air circulation. Water at the base of the plant. Copper-based fungicides can be used for prevention.

Texas Specific Challenges: The hot-to-extreme heat and variable humidity can stress collard greens, making them more susceptible to pests and diseases. Regular watering and good air circulation are crucial. Also, keep an eye out for fire ants, which can disturb the soil around your plants.

Companion planting can help your collard greens thrive. Onions and garlic are good companions because they deter pests like aphids. Beets and potatoes are also beneficial, as they don't compete for the same nutrients. Dill attracts beneficial insects that prey on cabbage worms.

Avoid planting strawberries or tomatoes near your collard greens. Strawberries can attract slugs and snails that may also damage your collards. Tomatoes can compete for the same nutrients and may also attract some of the same pests.