When to Plant Kai Lan in Lafourche Parish, LA
Your May game plan for Lafourche Parish, Louisiana
Your garden in Lafourche Parish, Louisiana is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this May.
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.
Lafourche Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is January 27 and the first fall frost is December 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 325 days.
At an elevation of 306 feet, Lafourche Parish receives approximately 54 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 97°F, so Kai Lan may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Kai Lan will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Kai Lan root diseases.
Lafourche Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5-6.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Lafourche Parish
How your county's soil matches Kai Lan's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.0–6.2) is more acidic than Kai Lan prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Lafourche Parish warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Kai Lan will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Kai Lan.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.1%). Annual compost additions will help Kai Lan.
How to Plant Kai Lan
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Kai Lan
Sow every 5.1 weeks. Last sowing by Oct 19 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 23.
Plant Water Budget
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 | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Feb | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 4.3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jan–Dec in Lafourche Parish). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Kai Lan Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Kai Lan Planting Timeline — Lafourche Parish, LA
Kai Lan Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | December 30 | Dec 30 – Jan 13 |
| Transplant Outdoors | January 27 | Jan 27 – Feb 10 |
| Direct Sow | January 6 | Jan 6 – Jan 27 |
| Harvest | March 17 | Mar 17 – Apr 14 |
| Fall Sowing | October 23 | Oct 23 – Nov 6 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| February | Transplant Outdoors |
| March | Harvest |
| April | Harvest |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | Fall Sowing |
| December | Start Indoors |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
45–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
325 days in Lafourche Parish
Growing Tips for Kai Lan in Lafourche Parish
Direct sow Kai Lan outdoors after January 27 in Lafourche Parish when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Lafourche Parish dries quickly — mulch Kai Lan with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 97°F in Lafourche Parish, provide afternoon shade for Kai Lan and water deeply in the morning.
Your generous 326.0-day season in Lafourche Parish allows multiple plantings of Kai Lan. Sow every 22.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Kai Lan in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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
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Kai Lan in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Kai Lan in Lafourche Parish, LA?
Lafourche Parish is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of January 27. Plan your Kai Lan planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lafourche Parish, LA?
Lafourche Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is January 27 and first fall frost is December 18.
Your Lafourche Parish Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Lafourche Parish (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.