When to Plant Kai Lan in Valley County, NE
Your May game plan for Valley County, Nebraska
Welcome to May in Zone 5b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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Set out kai lan seedlings
Your last frost (May 9) has passed. These warm-season crops can handle outdoor soil now.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- Starting indoors: kai lan
- First harvests: kai lan
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.
Valley County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 9 and the first fall frost is October 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 149 days.
At an elevation of 982 feet, Valley County receives approximately 21.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Kai Lan to ensure they mature before fall.
Valley County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 Valley County
How your county's soil matches Kai Lan's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–7.8) overlaps with Kai Lan's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Valley County is excellent for Kai Lan — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Kai Lan.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.1%) — Kai Lan will thrive.
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 06 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 27.
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.2" | 3.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Valley 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 — Valley County, NE
Kai Lan Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 4 | Apr 4 – Apr 18 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 9 | May 9 – May 23 |
| Direct Sow | April 25 | Apr 25 – May 16 |
| Harvest | June 27 | Jun 27 – Jul 25 |
| Fall Sowing | July 27 | Jul 27 – Aug 10 |
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 | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing 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 5b
📆 Growing Season
149 days in Valley County
Growing Tips for Kai Lan in Valley County
Direct sow Kai Lan outdoors after May 09 in Valley County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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.
Valley County receives only 22" of rain annually. Kai Lan needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Kai Lan in Valley County, NE?
Valley County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 9. Plan your Kai Lan planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Valley County, NE?
Valley County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 9 and first fall frost is October 5.
Your Valley County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Valley 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.