PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant collards in Houston, Texas

January 19 – February 2

Direct-sow outdoors · typical Houston year

Climate basis: NOAA station Houston-port, TX (USC00414326), 5 mi (8 km) from downtown Houston (ZCTA 77002 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 (February 2). One year in ten still freezes after March 5.

Last spring freezeFebruary 21-in-10 after Mar 5
First fall freezeDecember 251-in-10 before Nov 27
Frost-free season≈ 327 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Jan 23 – Jan 5kills even hardy greens
USDA zone9b25 to 30°F winter low — not frost timing

The Houston year

Direct-sow outdoorsJan 19 – Feb 2
Fall plantingOct 30 – Nov 27
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to Mar 5
Collards in Houston · freeze context from Houston-port, TX, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Direct-sow outdoors

Jan 19 – Feb 2

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 (Feb 2). Penn State Extension (York County Master Gardeners) · Purdue University Extension

Fall planting

Oct 30 – Nov 27

Purdue Table 2: plant fall collards at least 4–8 weeks before the first fall frost. Anchored to the median first fall freeze (Dec 25). 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)

Keep exploring

This crop, other cities
Related crops in Houston
Local overview