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When to Plant Kai Lan in Houston County, GA

Houston County, Georgia Zone 8b May

This month in Houston County, Georgia

May is a pivotal month for Houston County, Georgia gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.

Avg. last frost March 9
Avg. first frost November 15
Soil temp (4") 72°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 13.7 hrs
  1. Harvest kai lan as they ripen

    Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.

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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.

Houston County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 9 and the first fall frost is November 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 251 days.

At an elevation of 484 feet, Houston County receives approximately 53.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Kai Lan during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Kai Lan, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Kai Lan root diseases.

Houston County, GA (Zone 8b) Long season
251 days
Last Spring Frost March 9
251 growing days
First Fall Frost November 15
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Houston County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.6-6.3

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 4.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 5.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Dec 4.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Kai Lan Planting Timeline — Houston County, GA

Kai Lan Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 2 Feb 2 – Feb 16
Transplant Outdoors March 9 Mar 9 – Mar 23
Direct Sow February 23 Feb 23 – Mar 16
Harvest April 27 Apr 27 – May 25
Fall Sowing September 6 Sep 6 – Sep 20

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Harvest
May Harvest
June
July
August
September Fall Sowing
October
November
December
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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 8b

📆 Growing Season

251 days in Houston County

Growing Tips for Houston 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 Houston County, GA?

Houston County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 9. Plan your Kai Lan planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Houston County, GA?

Houston County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 9 and first fall frost is November 15.

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Your Houston County Garden Planner — Free

A 24-page printable planner built for Houston County (Zone 8b). 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 Houston County, GA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: May 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.