PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant collards in San Antonio, Texas

February 11 – February 25

Direct-sow outdoors · typical San Antonio year

Climate basis: NOAA station San Antonio Incarnate Word, TX (USC00417947), 3 mi (5 km) from downtown San Antonio (ZCTA 78205 centroid), elevation 700 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 25). One year in ten still freezes after March 19.

Last spring freezeFebruary 251-in-10 after Mar 19
First fall freezeNovember 281-in-10 before Nov 7
Frost-free season≈ 277 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Feb 5 – Dec 15kills even hardy greens
USDA zone9a20 to 25°F winter low — not frost timing

The San Antonio year

Direct-sow outdoorsFeb 11 – Feb 25
Fall plantingOct 3 – Oct 31
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to Mar 19
Collards in San Antonio · freeze context from San Antonio Incarnate Word, TX, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Direct-sow outdoors

Feb 11 – Feb 25

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

Fall planting

Oct 3 – Oct 31

Purdue Table 2: plant fall collards at least 4–8 weeks before the first fall frost. Anchored to the median first fall freeze (Nov 28). 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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