When to Plant Kai Lan in West Feliciana Parish, LA
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.
West Feliciana Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is February 21 and the first fall frost is November 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 278 days.
At an elevation of 225 feet, West Feliciana Parish receives approximately 60.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 96°F, so Kai Lan may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Kai Lan will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Kai Lan root diseases.
West Feliciana Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.1-6.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Plant Water Budget
Kai Lan Planting Timeline — West Feliciana Parish, LA
Kai Lan Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 17 | Jan 17 – Jan 31 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 21 | Feb 21 – Mar 7 |
| Direct Sow | February 7 | Feb 7 – Feb 28 |
| Fall Sowing | September 17 | Sep 17 – Oct 1 |
| Harvest | April 11 | Apr 11 – May 9 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
45–60 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 8b
Growing Season
278 days
Growing Tips for West Feliciana Parish
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.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Kai Lan in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Kai Lan in West Feliciana Parish, LA?
West Feliciana Parish is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of February 21. Plan your Kai Lan planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is West Feliciana Parish, LA?
West Feliciana Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is February 21 and first fall frost is November 26.
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