PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant collards in Rochester, New York

April 10 – April 24

Direct-sow outdoors · typical Rochester year

Climate basis: NOAA station Rochester Gtr INTL AP, NY (USW00014768), 5 mi (7 km) from downtown Rochester (ZCTA 14604 centroid), elevation 533 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 24). One year in ten still freezes after May 8.

Last spring freezeApril 241-in-10 after May 8
First fall freezeOctober 251-in-10 before Oct 8
Frost-free season≈ 181 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Apr 14 – Nov 6kills even hardy greens
USDA zone6b-5 to 0°F winter low — not frost timing

The Rochester year

Direct-sow outdoorsApr 10 – Apr 24
Fall plantingAug 30 – Sep 27
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to May 8
Collards in Rochester · freeze context from Rochester Gtr INTL AP, NY, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Direct-sow outdoors

Apr 10 – Apr 24

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

Fall planting

Aug 30 – Sep 27

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

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