When to plant Kai Lan in Lake County, MI
Lake County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Plant Kai Lan between April 30 (after last frost on May 14) and May 21. A second sowing from July 28 to August 11 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Kai Lan in Lake 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.
Lake County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 14 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 145 days.
At an elevation of 733 feet, Lake County receives approximately 33.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Kai Lan during the growing season.
Lake County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Kai Lan Planting Timeline — Lake County, MI
Kai Lan Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 14 | May 14 – May 28 |
| Direct Sow | April 30 | Apr 30 – May 21 |
| Harvest | July 2 | Jul 2 – Jul 30 |
| Fall Sowing | July 28 | Jul 28 – Aug 11 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing 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 5b
📆 Growing Season
145 days in Lake County
Growing Tips for Lake 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Kai Lan in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Kai Lan in Lake County, MI?
Lake County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 14. Plan your Kai Lan planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lake County, MI?
Lake County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 14 and first fall frost is October 6.
When should I plant Kai Lan in Lake County, MI?
In Lake County, MI, plant Kai Lan after the last frost (around May 14) and before the first frost (around October 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Lake County, MI for Kai Lan?
Lake County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Kai Lan grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Kai Lan grow in Lake County's climate?
Yes — Kai Lan grows well in Lake County's temperate climate. Lake County averages a 145-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 14 and first frost around October 6.
Your Lake County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Lake County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.