When to plant Kai Lan in Carroll County, IA
Carroll County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Plant Kai Lan between April 13 (after last frost on April 27) and May 4. A second sowing from July 27 to August 10 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Kai Lan in Carroll County, IA
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.
Carroll County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 27 and the first fall frost is October 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 161 days.
At an elevation of 751 feet, Carroll County receives approximately 38.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Kai Lan during the growing season.
Carroll County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Kai Lan Planting Timeline — Carroll County, IA
Kai Lan Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 27 | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Direct Sow | April 13 | Apr 13 – May 4 |
| Harvest | June 15 | Jun 15 – Jul 13 |
| Fall Sowing | July 27 | Jul 27 – Aug 10 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| 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 5a
📆 Growing Season
161 days in Carroll County
Growing Tips for Carroll 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
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Kai Lan in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Kai Lan in Carroll County, IA?
Carroll County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 27. Plan your Kai Lan planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Carroll County, IA?
Carroll County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 27 and first fall frost is October 5.
When should I plant Kai Lan in Carroll County, IA?
In Carroll County, IA, plant Kai Lan after the last frost (around April 27) and before the first frost (around October 5). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Carroll County, IA for Kai Lan?
Carroll County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Kai Lan grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Kai Lan grow in Carroll County's climate?
Yes — Kai Lan grows well in Carroll County's temperate climate. Carroll County averages a 161-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 27 and first frost around October 5.
Your Carroll County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Carroll County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.