PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant collards in Hartford, Connecticut

April 3 – April 17

Direct-sow outdoors · typical Hartford year

Climate basis: NOAA station Hartford Brainard Fld, CT (USW00014752), 2 mi (4 km) from downtown Hartford (ZCTA 06103 centroid), elevation 19 ft, on the 1991–2020 climate normals. Direct-sow collards from approximately the dates above, anchored to the median last spring 32°F freeze (April 17). One year in ten still freezes after May 1.

Last spring freezeApril 171-in-10 after May 1
First fall freezeOctober 261-in-10 before Oct 12
Frost-free season≈ 191 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Apr 3 – Nov 5kills even hardy greens
USDA zone6b-5 to 0°F winter low — not frost timing

The Hartford year

Direct-sow outdoorsApr 3 – Apr 17
Fall plantingAug 31 – Sep 28
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to May 1
Collards in Hartford · freeze context from Hartford Brainard Fld, CT, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Direct-sow outdoors

Apr 3 – Apr 17

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 (Apr 17). Penn State Extension (York County Master Gardeners) · Purdue University Extension

Fall planting

Aug 31 – Sep 28

Purdue Table 2: plant fall collards at least 4–8 weeks before the first fall frost. Anchored to the median first fall freeze (Oct 26). 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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