When to Plant Kai Lan in Iron County, WI
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.
Iron County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 22 and the first fall frost is September 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 126 days.
At an elevation of 841 feet, Iron County receives approximately 32.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 78°F, so choose short-season varieties of Kai Lan to ensure they mature before fall.
Iron County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.9
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
Kai Lan Planting Timeline — Iron County, WI
Kai Lan Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 10 | Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 22 | May 22 – Jun 5 |
| Direct Sow | May 15 | May 15 – Jun 5 |
| Fall Sowing | July 3 | Jul 3 – Jul 17 |
| Harvest | July 10 | Jul 10 – Aug 7 |
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 | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| 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 3b
Growing Season
126 days
Growing Tips for Iron 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 Iron County, WI?
Iron County is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of May 22. Plan your Kai Lan planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Iron County, WI?
Iron County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 22 and first fall frost is September 25.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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