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When to Plant Kai Lan in Carroll County, MS

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.

Carroll County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 17 and the first fall frost is November 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 237 days.

At an elevation of 153 feet, Carroll County receives approximately 49.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 92ยฐF, providing good warmth for Kai Lan during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Kai Lan, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot.

Carroll County, MS (Zone 8a) Long season
237 days
Last Spring Frost March 17
237 growing days
First Fall Frost November 9

Carroll County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (161 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 31 Transplant: Mar 7 🍅 Harvest: Apr 25 – May 23
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (160 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 10 Transplant: Mar 17 🍅 Harvest: May 5 – Jun 2
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (154 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 5 Transplant: Apr 9 🍅 Harvest: May 28 – Jun 25

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

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.9″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 270 gal / 100 sq ft
Kai Lan needs ~998 GDD — county provides 4,503 GDD Excellent fit

Kai Lan Planting Timeline โ€” Carroll County, MS

Kai Lan Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 10 Feb 10 โ€“ Feb 24
Transplant Outdoors March 17 Mar 17 โ€“ Mar 31
Direct Sow March 3 Mar 3 โ€“ Mar 24
Fall Sowing August 31 Aug 31 โ€“ Sep 14
Harvest May 5 May 5 โ€“ Jun 2

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 6" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Start Indoors
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April โ€”
May Harvest
June Harvest
July โ€”
August Fall Sowing
September Fall Sowing
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

45โ€“60 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7.5

USDA Zone

Zone 8a

Growing Season

237 days

Growing Tips for Carroll 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

  • Strawberries

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Kai Lan in Carroll County, MS?

Carroll County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 17. Plan your Kai Lan planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Carroll County, MS?

Carroll County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 17 and first fall frost is November 9.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Carroll County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Carroll County, MS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.