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When to plant Kai Lan in Dodge County, MN

The best window to plant Kai Lan in Dodge County, is April 21–May 12, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits April 28; first frost October 7. A second sowing from July 15 to July 29 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Kai Lan in Dodge County, MN

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.

Dodge County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 28 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 162 days.

At an elevation of 1,261 feet, Dodge County receives approximately 34 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Kai Lan to ensure they mature before fall.

Dodge County, MN (Zone 4b) Moderate season
162 days
Last Spring Frost April 28
162 growing days
First Fall Frost October 7

Dodge County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Kai Lan Planting Timeline — Dodge County, MN

Kai Lan Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 17 Mar 17 – Mar 31
Transplant Outdoors April 28 Apr 28 – May 12
Direct Sow April 21 Apr 21 – May 12
Harvest June 16 Jun 16 – Jul 14
Fall Sowing July 15 Jul 15 – Jul 29

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 Direct Sow
June Harvest
July Fall Sowing Harvest
August
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 4b

📆 Growing Season

162 days in Dodge County

Growing Tips for Dodge 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 Dodge County, MN?

Dodge County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of April 28. Plan your Kai Lan planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Dodge County, MN?

Dodge County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 28 and first fall frost is October 7.

When should I plant Kai Lan in Dodge County, MN?

In Dodge County, MN, plant Kai Lan after the last frost (around April 28) and before the first frost (around October 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Dodge County, MN for Kai Lan?

Dodge County sits in USDA Zone 4b. Kai Lan grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Kai Lan grow in Dodge County's climate?

Yes — Kai Lan grows well in Dodge County's temperate climate. Dodge County averages a 162-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 28 and first frost around October 7.

🌱

Your Dodge County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Dodge County (Zone 4b). 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 Dodge County, MN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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