When to Plant Kai Lan in Chenango County, NY
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.
Chenango County, New York is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 148 days.
At an elevation of 841 feet, Chenango County receives approximately 38.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Kai Lan during the growing season.
Chenango County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5-6.8
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 | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Chenango County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Kai Lan Planting Timeline — Chenango County, NY
Kai Lan Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 7 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 12 | May 12 – May 26 |
| Direct Sow | April 28 | Apr 28 – May 19 |
| Harvest | June 30 | Jun 30 – Jul 28 |
| Fall Sowing | July 29 | Jul 29 – Aug 12 |
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
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
45–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
148 days in Chenango County
Growing Tips for Chenango 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Kai Lan in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Kai Lan in Chenango County, NY?
Chenango County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 12. Plan your Kai Lan planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Chenango County, NY?
Chenango County, New York is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and first fall frost is October 7.
Your Chenango County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Chenango 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.