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When to plant Kai Lan in Mono County, CA

Mono County gardeners should plant Kai Lan between June 4 and June 25 in spring. With Mono County's Zone 6b climate (last frost June 18), Kai Lan needs 45–60 days to mature — plant by June 21 for a full harvest. A second sowing from June 11 to June 25 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Kai Lan in Mono County, CA

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.

Mono County, California is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is June 18 and the first fall frost is August 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 63 days.

At an elevation of 2,381 feet, Mono County receives approximately 13.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Kai Lan to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Kai Lan successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Mono County, CA (Zone 6b) Very short season
63 days
Last Spring Frost June 18
63 growing days
First Fall Frost August 20

Mono County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6-7.5

Drainage

Well Drained

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 2.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 0.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Jun 4.3" 0.1" 4.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 0" 4.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 0" 4.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Sep 0.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Oct 0.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Nov 1.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Aug in Mono County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Kai Lan Planting Timeline — Mono County, CA

Kai Lan Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors May 14 May 14 – May 28
Transplant Outdoors June 18 Jun 18 – Jul 2
Direct Sow June 4 Jun 4 – Jun 25
Harvest August 6 Aug 6 – Sep 3
Fall Sowing June 11 Jun 11 – Jun 25

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

45–60 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6b

📆 Growing Season

63 days in Mono County

Growing Tips for Mono 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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Kai Lan in Mono County, CA?

Mono County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of June 18. Plan your Kai Lan planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Mono County, CA?

Mono County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is June 18 and first fall frost is August 20.

When should I plant Kai Lan in Mono County, CA?

In Mono County, CA, plant Kai Lan after the last frost (around June 18) and before the first frost (around August 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Mono County, CA for Kai Lan?

Mono County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Kai Lan grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Kai Lan grow in Mono County's climate?

Yes — Kai Lan grows well in Mono County's temperate climate. Mono County averages a 63-day frost-free season, with last frost around June 18 and first frost around August 20.

🌱

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A 22-page printable planner built for Mono County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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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 Mono County, CA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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