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When to plant Kai Lan in Duval County, FL

For Kai Lan in Duval County, the safe spring window opens around February 3 and closes around February 24. Last expected frost is February 24, first fall frost November 29, giving a 279-day growing season. A second sowing from October 4 to October 18 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Kai Lan in Duval County, FL

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.

Duval County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 24 and the first fall frost is November 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 278 days.

At an elevation of 337 feet, Duval County receives approximately 56.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 102°F, so Kai Lan may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Kai Lan will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Kai Lan root diseases.

Duval County, FL (Zone 9b) Year-round
278 days
Last Spring Frost February 24
278 growing days
First Fall Frost November 29

Duval County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

5-5.8

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 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Mar 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 8.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 7.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 8.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 6.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
Dec 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Kai Lan Planting Timeline — Duval County, FL

Kai Lan Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 27 Jan 27 – Feb 10
Transplant Outdoors February 24 Feb 24 – Mar 10
Direct Sow February 3 Feb 3 – Feb 24
Harvest April 14 Apr 14 – May 12
Fall Sowing October 4 Oct 4 – Oct 18

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
February Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors
April Harvest
May Harvest
June
July
August
September
October Fall Sowing
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 9b

📆 Growing Season

278 days in Duval County

Growing Tips for Duval 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 Duval County, FL?

Duval County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 24. Plan your Kai Lan planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Duval County, FL?

Duval County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 24 and first fall frost is November 29.

When should I plant Kai Lan in Duval County, FL?

In Duval County, FL, plant Kai Lan after the last frost (around February 24) and before the first frost (around November 29). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Duval County, FL for Kai Lan?

Duval County sits in USDA Zone 9b. Kai Lan grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Kai Lan grow in Duval County's climate?

Yes — Kai Lan grows well in Duval County's temperate climate. Duval County averages a 279-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 24 and first frost around November 29.

🌱

Your Duval County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Duval County (Zone 9b). 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 Duval County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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