Collard Greens in Zone 9A — Texas

Collard greens are a Southern staple, and they thrive here in Texas, offering a slightly bitter, earthy flavor that's delicious braised, sautéed, or added to soups and stews. Their resilience and long harvest window make them a rewarding crop for Texas gardeners looking to maximize their garden's potential, especially since they can handle our unpredictable weather better than some other greens.

The Texas heat and unpredictable weather can be challenging, but collard greens are surprisingly adaptable, especially with proper timing. With our long 293-day growing season, you can enjoy a spring crop and a fall garden harvest of these nutritious greens.

Starting collard greens indoors gives you a head start, especially for a spring crop. This is useful if you want to get your first harvest as early as possible.

Start your seeds indoors from mid January through early February, about four weeks before you plan to transplant. Use seed trays with a good seed-starting mix, and keep them in a warm location with plenty of light – a sunny windowsill or under grow lights. Remember to water from the bottom to avoid damping off. Our early spring weather can be unpredictable, so this gives your plants a strong start.

Transplant your collard greens outdoors from mid February through mid March. This gives them time to establish before the Texas heat really kicks in.

Before transplanting, harden off your seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil, and space the plants 18-24 inches apart. Keep an eye on the weather forecast; a late freeze can still happen, so be prepared to cover your young plants if necessary.

Direct sowing collard greens is a straightforward method, especially for a fall crop. You can sow seeds directly into the garden from early February through early September.

Prepare the soil by loosening it and adding compost or other organic matter. Sow seeds about ½ inch deep and keep the soil consistently moist until they germinate. Thin the seedlings to 18-24 inches apart once they have a few true leaves. Direct sowing is less work initially, but you'll need to stay on top of watering, especially during our hot, dry spells.

Collard greens need consistent moisture, but overwatering can lead to problems. Pay attention to the weather and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.

In the spring and fall, when temperatures are milder and rainfall is more likely, water deeply once or twice a week, providing about 1-1.5 inches of water each time. During the brutal Texas heat of summer, you may need to water every other day, especially if rainfall is scarce. Use the finger test: stick your finger about 2 inches deep into the soil. 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, especially with our variable humidity. Signs of underwatering include wilting leaves, while yellowing leaves can indicate overwatering. A layer of mulch, like shredded bark or straw, can help retain moisture and suppress weeds, which is especially helpful in our climate.

You can expect your first harvest of collard greens starting around mid April through mid December, about 75 days after planting. It's a long harvest window.

Harvest the lower leaves when they are 10-12 inches long. Simply snap them off near the base of the plant, leaving the top rosette to continue growing. This allows for continuous production 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 long as possible.

As our first frost approaches in early December, harvest any remaining large leaves. You can blanch and freeze them for later use.

Here are some common problems you might encounter growing collard greens in Texas:

Cabbage Worms

• What it looks like: Smooth green caterpillars chewing irregular holes in leaves, leaving dark green droppings behind. You'll often see white butterflies fluttering around.
• What causes it: Larvae of white cabbage butterflies. Multiple generations can hatch during our long, warm growing season.
• How to fix/prevent it: Use Bt spray, which is very effective. Floating row covers can prevent the butterflies from laying eggs. Handpick caterpillars when you see them. Interplant with aromatic herbs like thyme and sage to deter the butterflies.

Aphids

• What it looks like: Clusters of tiny green, black, or white insects on stems and leaf undersides. Sticky honeydew residue and curled or distorted new growth.
• What causes it: Rapidly reproducing sap-sucking insects that thrive in warm weather. Ant colonies may farm them for honeydew.
• How to fix/prevent it: A strong spray of water from your hose can knock them off. Encourage ladybugs and lacewings, which are natural predators. Use insecticidal soap for heavy infestations. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen, which attracts them.

Cabbage Loopers

• What it looks like: Similar to cabbage worms, but these are light green caterpillars that move in a looping motion. They also chew holes in leaves.
• What causes it: These are the larvae of a moth. Like cabbage worms, they can go through several generations in our long growing season.
• How to fix/prevent it: Bt spray is effective. Handpicking is also an option. Encourage beneficial insects like parasitic wasps.

Downy Mildew

• What it looks like: Yellow patches on leaf tops with fuzzy gray-purple growth on the undersides. Leaves brown and die from the bottom up.
• What causes it: A pathogen that spreads in cool, humid conditions via wind-carried spores.
• How to fix/prevent it: Remove affected leaves immediately. Improve air circulation by spacing plants properly. Water at the base of the plants, never overhead. Copper-based fungicides can be used for prevention.

Texas Specific Challenges: The hot-to-extreme heat, variable humidity, and unpredictable rainfall in Texas can create a challenging environment for collard greens. The heat can stress the plants, making them more susceptible to pests and diseases. Maintaining consistent moisture is crucial, but heavy rainfall can also lead to fungal problems. Be vigilant, monitor your plants regularly, and adjust your gardening practices as needed. Fire ants can also be a nuisance, so keep them under control.

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

Avoid planting collard greens near strawberries or tomatoes. Strawberries can attract slugs and snails that may also feed on your greens, and tomatoes can stunt the growth of collard greens.