When to plant Kai Lan in Wheeling, MO
In Zone 6a (Wheeling), direct-sow Kai Lan between April 1 and April 22 for spring, after the April 15 last-frost mark. A second sowing from August 12 to August 26 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Kai Lan in Wheeling, MO
This month in Livingston County, Missouri
June rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Livingston County, Missouri.
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.
Wheeling, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 189 days.
At an elevation of 515 feet, Livingston County receives approximately 31.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Kai Lan during the growing season.
Wheeling Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Kai Lan 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 Wheeling
How your county's soil matches Kai Lan's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.8) overlaps with Kai Lan's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Livingston County is excellent for Kai Lan — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.9%). Annual compost additions will help Kai Lan.
How to Plant Kai Lan
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Kai Lan
Sow every 5.1 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 22 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 12.
Kai Lan Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Livingston County). 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 — Wheeling, MO
Kai Lan Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 11 | Mar 11 – Mar 25 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 15 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| Direct Sow | April 1 | Apr 1 – Apr 22 |
| Harvest | June 3 | Jun 3 – Jul 1 |
| Fall Sowing | August 12 | Aug 12 – Aug 26 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
45–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
189 days in Livingston County
Growing Tips for Kai Lan in Wheeling
Direct sow Kai Lan outdoors after April 15 in Livingston County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 189.0-day season in Livingston County 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
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Kai Lan in Other Locations
When should I plant Kai Lan in Wheeling, MO?
In Wheeling, MO, plant Kai Lan after the last frost (around April 15) and before the first frost (around October 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Wheeling, MO for Kai Lan?
Wheeling 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 Wheeling's climate?
Yes — Kai Lan grows well in Wheeling's temperate climate. Wheeling averages a 189-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 15 and first frost around October 21.
Your Livingston County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Livingston 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.