When to Plant Kai Lan in Macon 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.
Macon County, Tennessee is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 201 days.
At an elevation of 2,524 feet, Macon County receives approximately 47.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Kai Lan during the growing season.
Macon County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.7
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 — Macon County, TN
Kai Lan Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 6 | Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 10 | Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Direct Sow | March 27 | Mar 27 – Apr 17 |
| Fall Sowing | August 19 | Aug 19 – Sep 2 |
| Harvest | May 29 | May 29 – Jun 26 |
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 | Fall Sowing |
| 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 6b
Growing Season
201 days
Growing Tips for Macon 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 Macon County, TN?
Macon County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 10. Plan your Kai Lan planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Macon County, TN?
Macon County, Tennessee is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 28.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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