When to Plant Kai Lan in Lewis County, TN
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.
Lewis County, Tennessee is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 200 days.
At an elevation of 3,735 feet, Lewis County receives approximately 52.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Kai Lan during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Kai Lan root diseases.
Lewis County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.9
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 — Lewis County, TN
Kai Lan Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Direct Sow | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 16 |
| Fall Sowing | August 17 | Aug 17 – Aug 31 |
| Harvest | May 28 | May 28 – Jun 25 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| 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 7a
Growing Season
200 days
Growing Tips for Lewis 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 Lewis County, TN?
Lewis County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Kai Lan planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lewis County, TN?
Lewis County, Tennessee is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 26.
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