When to plant Kai Lan in Ballard County, KY
Ballard County's spring Kai Lan window runs March 23 through April 13. most warm-season crops establish quickly once soil holds above 60°F. A second sowing from August 17 to August 31 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Kai Lan in Ballard County, KY
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.
Ballard County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 6 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 203 days.
At an elevation of 2,452 feet, Ballard County receives approximately 54.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Kai Lan during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Kai Lan root diseases.
Ballard County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Kai Lan Planting Timeline — Ballard County, KY
Kai Lan Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 2 | Mar 2 – Mar 16 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Direct Sow | March 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 13 |
| Harvest | May 25 | May 25 – Jun 22 |
| Fall Sowing | August 17 | Aug 17 – Aug 31 |
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 | — |
| 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 7a
📆 Growing Season
203 days in Ballard County
Growing Tips for Ballard 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 Ballard County, KY?
Ballard County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 6. Plan your Kai Lan planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Ballard County, KY?
Ballard County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 6 and first fall frost is October 26.
When should I plant Kai Lan in Ballard County, KY?
In Ballard County, KY, plant Kai Lan after the last frost (around April 6) and before the first frost (around October 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Ballard County, KY for Kai Lan?
Ballard County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Kai Lan grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Kai Lan grow in Ballard County's climate?
Yes — Kai Lan grows well in Ballard County's temperate climate. Ballard County averages a 203-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 6 and first frost around October 26.
Your Ballard County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Ballard County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.