When to plant Kai Lan in Wabash County, IL
Wabash County gardeners should plant Kai Lan between March 26 and April 16 in spring. With Wabash County's Zone 6b climate (last frost April 9), Kai Lan needs 45–60 days to mature — plant by August 29 for a full harvest. A second sowing from August 19 to September 2 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Kai Lan in Wabash County, IL
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.
Wabash County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 202 days.
At an elevation of 880 feet, Wabash County receives approximately 32.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Kai Lan during the growing season.
Wabash County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-7.3
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 | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Wabash County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Kai Lan Planting Timeline — Wabash County, IL
Kai Lan Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Direct Sow | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 16 |
| Harvest | May 28 | May 28 – Jun 25 |
| Fall Sowing | August 19 | Aug 19 – Sep 2 |
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 | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| 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
202 days in Wabash County
Growing Tips for Wabash 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Kai Lan in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Kai Lan in Wabash County, IL?
Wabash County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Kai Lan planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Wabash County, IL?
Wabash County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 28.
When should I plant Kai Lan in Wabash County, IL?
In Wabash County, IL, plant Kai Lan after the last frost (around April 9) and before the first frost (around October 28). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Wabash County, IL for Kai Lan?
Wabash 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 Wabash County's climate?
Yes — Kai Lan grows well in Wabash County's temperate climate. Wabash County averages a 202-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 9 and first frost around October 28.
Your Wabash County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Wabash 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.