PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant collards in Austin, Texas

February 24 – March 10

Direct-sow outdoors · typical Austin year

Climate basis: NOAA station Austin 6s, TX (USC00410431), 3 mi (5 km) from downtown Austin (ZCTA 78701 centroid), elevation 570 ft, on the 1991–2020 climate normals. Direct-sow collards from approximately the dates above, anchored to the median last spring 32°F freeze (March 10). One year in ten still freezes after March 31.

Last spring freezeMarch 101-in-10 after Mar 31
First fall freezeNovember 171-in-10 before Nov 1
Frost-free season≈ 252 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Feb 28 – Dec 1kills even hardy greens
USDA zone9a20 to 25°F winter low — not frost timing

The Austin year

Direct-sow outdoorsFeb 24 – Mar 10
Fall plantingSep 22 – Oct 20
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to Mar 31
Collards in Austin · freeze context from Austin 6s, TX, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Direct-sow outdoors

Feb 24 – Mar 10

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 (Mar 10). Penn State Extension (York County Master Gardeners) · Purdue University Extension

Fall planting

Sep 22 – Oct 20

Purdue Table 2: plant fall collards at least 4–8 weeks before the first fall frost. Anchored to the median first fall freeze (Nov 17). 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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