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When to plant Kai Lan in Clark County, MO

Plant Kai Lan in Clark County after April 16; the prime window is April 2–April 23. A second sowing from August 9 to August 23 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Kai Lan in Clark County, MO

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.

Clark County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 185 days.

At an elevation of 833 feet, Clark County receives approximately 33 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Kai Lan during the growing season.

Clark County, MO (Zone 6a) Moderate season
185 days
Last Spring Frost April 16
185 growing days
First Fall Frost October 18

Clark County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.6-6.6

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 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Kai Lan Planting Timeline — Clark County, MO

Kai Lan Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 12 Mar 12 – Mar 26
Transplant Outdoors April 16 Apr 16 – Apr 30
Direct Sow April 2 Apr 2 – Apr 23
Harvest June 4 Jun 4 – Jul 2
Fall Sowing August 9 Aug 9 – Aug 23

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
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

185 days in Clark County

Growing Tips for Clark 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 Clark County, MO?

Clark County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Kai Lan planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Clark County, MO?

Clark County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 18.

When should I plant Kai Lan in Clark County, MO?

In Clark County, MO, plant Kai Lan after the last frost (around April 16) and before the first frost (around October 18). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Clark County, MO for Kai Lan?

Clark 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 Clark County's climate?

Yes — Kai Lan grows well in Clark County's temperate climate. Clark County averages a 185-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 16 and first frost around October 18.

🌱

Your Clark County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Clark 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.

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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 Clark County, MO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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