When to plant Kai Lan in Ingham County, MI
In Ingham County, plant Kai Lan in spring between April 18 and May 9, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Ingham County's last frost averages May 2, so time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. For a fall crop, sow between August 4 and August 18 — roughly 45–60 days before the first frost on October 13.
When to Plant Kai Lan in Ingham County, MI
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.
Ingham County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 164 days.
At an elevation of 554 feet, Ingham County receives approximately 31.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Kai Lan to ensure they mature before fall.
Ingham County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Kai Lan Planting Timeline — Ingham County, MI
Kai Lan Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 28 | Mar 28 – Apr 11 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 2 | May 2 – May 16 |
| Direct Sow | April 18 | Apr 18 – May 9 |
| Harvest | June 20 | Jun 20 – Jul 18 |
| Fall Sowing | August 4 | Aug 4 – Aug 18 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| 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 6a
📆 Growing Season
164 days in Ingham County
Growing Tips for Ingham 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 Ingham County, MI?
Ingham County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 2. Plan your Kai Lan planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Ingham County, MI?
Ingham County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 13.
When should I plant Kai Lan in Ingham County, MI?
In Ingham County, MI, plant Kai Lan after the last frost (around May 2) and before the first frost (around October 13). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Ingham County, MI for Kai Lan?
Ingham County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Kai Lan grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Kai Lan grow in Ingham County's climate?
Yes — Kai Lan grows well in Ingham County's temperate climate. Ingham County averages a 164-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 2 and first frost around October 13.
Your Ingham County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Ingham County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.