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When to plant Kai Lan in Boone County, KY

For Kai Lan in Boone County, the safe spring window opens around April 5 and closes around April 26. Last expected frost is April 19, first fall frost October 21, giving a 185-day growing season. A second sowing from August 12 to August 26 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Kai Lan in Boone 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.

Boone County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 19 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 185 days.

At an elevation of 2,587 feet, Boone County receives approximately 51 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°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.

Boone County, KY (Zone 6b) Moderate season
185 days
Last Spring Frost April 19
185 growing days
First Fall Frost October 21

Boone County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.5

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 4.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 5.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 5.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
Nov 3.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 3.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Kai Lan Planting Timeline — Boone County, KY

Kai Lan Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 15 Mar 15 – Mar 29
Transplant Outdoors April 19 Apr 19 – May 3
Direct Sow April 5 Apr 5 – Apr 26
Harvest June 7 Jun 7 – Jul 5
Fall Sowing August 12 Aug 12 – Aug 26

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors
June Harvest
July 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 6b

📆 Growing Season

185 days in Boone County

Growing Tips for Boone 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 Boone County, KY?

Boone County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 19. Plan your Kai Lan planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Boone County, KY?

Boone County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 19 and first fall frost is October 21.

When should I plant Kai Lan in Boone County, KY?

In Boone County, KY, plant Kai Lan after the last frost (around April 19) and before the first frost (around October 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Boone County, KY for Kai Lan?

Boone 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 Boone County's climate?

Yes — Kai Lan grows well in Boone County's temperate climate. Boone County averages a 185-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 19 and first frost around October 21.

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Your Boone County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Boone 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.

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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 Boone County, KY. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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