When to plant Kai Lan in Compton, CA
Spring Kai Lan in Compton goes in March 13–April 3, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing. A second sowing from September 26 to October 10 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Kai Lan in Compton, CA
July to-do list for Los Angeles County, California
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Los Angeles County, California this July and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Plan the fall garden
Make a planting map for August. Tomatoes, peppers, brassicas, lettuce, root crops all go in over the next 8 weeks. Soil amendments and irrigation prep happen now.
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Keep heat-survivor crops productive
Daily harvest of okra and southern peas keeps plants producing. Let pods over-mature and the plant stops setting new fruit.
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Watch for hurricane prep season
August-October is hurricane season. Stake young trees, secure rain barrels, and plan how to protect tender transplants from high winds.
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.
Compton, California is in USDA Zone 10b. The average last spring frost is April 3 and the first fall frost is November 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 232 days.
At an elevation of 1,315 feet, Los Angeles County receives approximately 12.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Kai Lan during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Kai Lan successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Compton Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
5.8-7.5
Drainage
Well Drained
Kai Lan 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 Compton
How your county's soil matches Kai Lan's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.8–7.5) overlaps with Kai Lan's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Los Angeles County is excellent for Kai Lan — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.1%). Annual compost additions will help Kai Lan.
How to Plant Kai Lan
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Kai Lan
Sow every 5.1 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 22 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 26.
Kai Lan 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 | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 1.2" | 3.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 4.3" | 0.4" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| 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 | 4.3" | 0.2" | 4.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 0.6" | 3.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Los Angeles 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 — Compton, CA
Kai Lan Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 6 | Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Direct Sow | March 13 | Mar 13 – Apr 3 |
| Harvest | May 22 | May 22 – Jun 19 |
| Fall Sowing | September 26 | Sep 26 – Oct 10 |
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 | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
45–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 10b
📆 Growing Season
232 days in Los Angeles County
Growing Tips for Kai Lan in Compton
Direct sow Kai Lan outdoors after April 03 in Los Angeles County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 232.0-day season in Los Angeles County allows multiple plantings of Kai Lan. Sow every 22.0 days for continuous harvest.
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.
Los Angeles County receives only 13" 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
When should I plant Kai Lan in Compton, CA?
In Compton, CA, plant Kai Lan after the last frost (around April 3) and before the first frost (around November 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Compton, CA for Kai Lan?
Compton sits in USDA Zone 10b. Kai Lan grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Kai Lan grow in Compton's climate?
Yes — Kai Lan grows well in Compton's temperate climate. Compton averages a 232-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 3 and first frost around November 21.
Your Los Angeles County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Los Angeles County (Zone 10b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.