When to Plant Kai Lan in Hunterdon County, NJ
Your May planting checklist for Hunterdon County, New Jersey
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Hunterdon County, New Jersey.
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Start kai lan indoors
Bottom-water once the first true leaves appear — it keeps stems dry and knocks back damping-off.
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Collect kai lan at their peak
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
To set up a strong June, finish these tasks
- 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.
Hunterdon County, New Jersey is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 12 and the first fall frost is October 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 200 days.
At an elevation of 534 feet, Hunterdon County receives approximately 46.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Kai Lan during the growing season.
Hunterdon County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.3
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 Hunterdon County
How your county's soil matches Kai Lan's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–6.3) is more acidic than Kai Lan prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Hunterdon County is excellent for Kai Lan — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.7%). 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 30 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 20.
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 | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Hunterdon 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 — Hunterdon County, NJ
Kai Lan Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 8 | Mar 8 – Mar 22 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 12 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Direct Sow | March 29 | Mar 29 – Apr 19 |
| Harvest | May 31 | May 31 – Jun 28 |
| Fall Sowing | August 20 | Aug 20 – Sep 3 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
45–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
200 days in Hunterdon County
Growing Tips for Kai Lan in Hunterdon County
Direct sow Kai Lan outdoors after April 12 in Hunterdon County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 200.0-day season in Hunterdon 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
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Kai Lan in Hunterdon County, NJ?
Hunterdon County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 12. Plan your Kai Lan planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Hunterdon County, NJ?
Hunterdon County, New Jersey is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 12 and first fall frost is October 29.
Your Hunterdon County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Hunterdon County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.