Blog

When to plant Kai Lan in Meade County, KY

Kai Lan planted in Meade County between March 18 and April 8 matures in 45–60 days — well before the November 3 first frost. A second sowing from August 25 to September 8 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Kai Lan in Meade 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.

Meade County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 1 and the first fall frost is November 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 216 days.

At an elevation of 2,934 feet, Meade County receives approximately 45.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Kai Lan during the growing season.

Meade County, KY (Zone 7a) Long season
216 days
Last Spring Frost April 1
216 growing days
First Fall Frost November 3

Meade County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.6-6.5

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" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 5.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Dec 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Kai Lan Planting Timeline — Meade County, KY

Kai Lan Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 25 Feb 25 – Mar 11
Transplant Outdoors April 1 Apr 1 – Apr 15
Direct Sow March 18 Mar 18 – Apr 8
Harvest May 20 May 20 – Jun 17
Fall Sowing August 25 Aug 25 – Sep 8

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
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 7a

📆 Growing Season

216 days in Meade County

Growing Tips for Meade 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 Meade County, KY?

Meade County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 1. Plan your Kai Lan planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Meade County, KY?

Meade County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 1 and first fall frost is November 3.

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

In Meade County, KY, plant Kai Lan after the last frost (around April 1) and before the first frost (around November 3). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

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

Meade 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 Meade County's climate?

Yes — Kai Lan grows well in Meade County's temperate climate. Meade County averages a 216-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 1 and first frost around November 3.

🌱

Your Meade County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Meade 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.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Meade County, KY. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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