When to Plant Kai Lan in Oliver County, ND
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.
Oliver County, North Dakota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 14 and the first fall frost is September 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 135 days.
At an elevation of 721 feet, Oliver County receives approximately 21.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Kai Lan to ensure they mature before fall.
Oliver County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.4
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.
Soil Compatibility in Oliver County
How your county's soil matches Kai Lan's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.5–7.4) is within Kai Lan's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Oliver County is excellent for Kai Lan — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.0%) — Kai Lan will thrive.
How to Plant Kai Lan
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Kai Lan
Sow every 5.1 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 28 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 04.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Kai Lan
Kai Lan needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Kai Lan Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Oliver County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Kai Lan Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Kai Lan Planting Timeline — Oliver County, ND
Kai Lan Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 14 | May 14 – May 28 |
| Direct Sow | May 7 | May 7 – May 28 |
| Harvest | July 2 | Jul 2 – Jul 30 |
| Fall Sowing | July 4 | Jul 4 – Jul 18 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
45–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4a
📆 Growing Season
135 days in Oliver County
Growing Tips for Kai Lan in Oliver County
Direct sow Kai Lan outdoors after May 14 in Oliver County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Kai Lan in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Oliver County receives only 21" of rain annually. Kai Lan needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Kai Lan in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Kai Lan in Oliver County, ND?
Oliver County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 14. Plan your Kai Lan planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Oliver County, ND?
Oliver County, North Dakota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 14 and first fall frost is September 26.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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