PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant collards in Anchorage, Alaska

April 17 – May 1

Direct-sow outdoors · typical Anchorage year

Climate basis: NOAA station Anchorage Merrill Fld, AK (USW00026409), 0 mi (0 km) from downtown Anchorage (ZCTA 99501 centroid), elevation 138 ft, on the 1991–2020 climate normals. Direct-sow collards from approximately the dates above, anchored to the median last spring 32°F freeze (May 1). One year in ten still freezes after May 9.

Last spring freezeMay 11-in-10 after May 9
First fall freezeSeptember 291-in-10 before Sep 17
Frost-free season≈ 150 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Apr 19 – Oct 8kills even hardy greens
USDA zone5a-20 to -15°F winter low — not frost timing

The Anchorage year

Direct-sow outdoorsApr 17 – May 1
Fall plantingAug 4 – Sep 1
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to May 9
Collards in Anchorage · freeze context from Anchorage Merrill Fld, AK, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Direct-sow outdoors

Apr 17 – May 1

Purdue: hardy — 4–6 weeks before the last frost; Penn State's earliest sowing Apr 17 (−14 days) is the later start and is used. Anchored to the median last spring freeze (May 1). Penn State Extension (York County Master Gardeners) · Purdue University Extension

Fall planting

Aug 4 – Sep 1

Purdue Table 2: plant fall collards at least 4–8 weeks before the first fall frost. Anchored to the median first fall freeze (Sep 29). Purdue University Extension

Variety assumption: Assumes an average variety (about 70–80 days; Penn State lists 80).

These windows describe typical years (1991–2020 climate normals), not this year's forecast. Freezes happen outside them — especially in frost pockets, valleys, and urban edges. Watch the forecast before committing tender plants.

This week, not a typical year:
Crop rule sources (2)

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