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Can You Grow Collard Greens in Wisconsin?

US · USDA Zone 5a · zones 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b

Grows well here

Collards are well-suited to your zone — they handle summer heat and frost alike.

Plant zones

5a–11b

Wisconsin last frost

mid-April

Wisconsin first frost

mid-October

Days to harvest

60–80 days

When to plant Collard Greenses in Wisconsin

Start indoors

Mar 18

Transplant

Apr 15

Harvest

Jun 14 – Jul 4

Dates are approximate, based on Wisconsin's average frost dates. Your exact yard may vary by microclimate.

About Collard Greens

Collard greens are a Southern staple — extremely hardy, tolerating both frost and summer heat better than most brassicas. Rich in nutrients and one of the most productive greens per square foot.

Start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost or direct sow. Harvest lower leaves as needed. Plants withstand hard frosts — flavor improves after cold snaps. In warm zones, grow as a fall/winter crop.

Full collard greens growing guide →

Gardening in Wisconsin

Wisconsin has a cold humid continental climate. Milwaukee is Zone 5b-6a; northern Wisconsin is Zone 4a-5a. Cold winters but warm productive summers. Known for dairy farming and cold-hardy crops.