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When to Plant Kai Lan in Hawaii

Kai lan (Chinese broccoli) is a brassica grown for its thick, glossy stems and small flower buds. It has a slightly bitter, broccoli-like flavor essential in Cantonese cooking.

Hawaii spans USDA hardiness zones 11a, 11b (with planting data available), so planting dates vary by your location within the state. Click your zone below for the most accurate dates.

Find Your County

Click your county for exact Kai Lan planting dates based on your local frost dates.

Hover over a county to see details. Click to view planting guide.

Kai Lan Planting Calendar for Hawaii

โ–ธ Zone 11a ~364 day growing season ยท Full guide โ†’

Last frost: January 1 ยท First frost: December 31 ยท 364 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors December 4 Dec 4 โ€“ Dec 18
Transplant Outdoors January 1 Jan 1 โ€“ Jan 15
Direct Sow December 11 Dec 11 โ€“ Jan 1
Fall Sowing November 5 Nov 5 โ€“ Nov 19
Harvest February 19 Feb 19 โ€“ Mar 19
โ–ธ Zone 11b ~364 day growing season ยท Full guide โ†’

Last frost: January 1 ยท First frost: December 31 ยท 364 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors December 4 Dec 4 โ€“ Dec 18
Transplant Outdoors January 1 Jan 1 โ€“ Jan 15
Direct Sow December 11 Dec 11 โ€“ Jan 1
Fall Sowing November 5 Nov 5 โ€“ Nov 19
Harvest February 19 Feb 19 โ€“ Mar 19

Growing Tips for Hawaii

Direct sow in spring or fall. Harvest when flower buds first appear but before they open. Cut stems at the base to encourage side shoots. Prefers cool weather.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Kai Lan in Hawaii?

Planting dates for Kai Lan in Hawaii depend on your USDA zone. Hawaii spans zones 11a, 11b. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.

What zone is Hawaii for planting?

Hawaii contains USDA hardiness zones 11a, 11b. Your specific zone depends on your location within the state โ€” northern and higher-elevation areas are in colder zones, while southern and coastal areas are warmer.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Last updated: April 2026.