When to Plant Kai Lan in Blue Earth County, MN
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.
Blue Earth County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 29 and the first fall frost is October 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 158 days.
At an elevation of 646 feet, Blue Earth County receives approximately 40.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Kai Lan to ensure they mature before fall.
Blue Earth County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-6.8
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
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Kai Lan Planting Timeline — Blue Earth County, MN
Kai Lan Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 18 | Mar 18 – Apr 1 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 29 | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Direct Sow | April 22 | Apr 22 – May 13 |
| Fall Sowing | July 12 | Jul 12 – Jul 26 |
| Harvest | June 17 | Jun 17 – Jul 15 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| 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 4b
Growing Season
158 days
Growing Tips for Blue Earth County
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 Blue Earth County, MN?
Blue Earth County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of April 29. Plan your Kai Lan planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Blue Earth County, MN?
Blue Earth County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 29 and first fall frost is October 4.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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