Blog

When to Plant Kai Lan in Deschutes County, OR

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.

Deschutes County, Oregon is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is June 15 and the first fall frost is September 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 90 days.

At an elevation of 221 feet, Deschutes County receives approximately 54.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Kai Lan to ensure they mature before fall. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Kai Lan root diseases.

Deschutes County, OR (Zone 6b) Very short season
90 days
Last Spring Frost June 15
90 growing days
First Fall Frost September 13

Deschutes County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.2

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 7.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 6.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Jun 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 1" 3.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 1" 3.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 2.2" 2.1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Nov 7.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 9.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Kai Lan Planting Timeline — Deschutes County, OR

Kai Lan Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors May 11 May 11 – May 25
Transplant Outdoors June 15 Jun 15 – Jun 29
Direct Sow June 1 Jun 1 – Jun 22
Harvest August 3 Aug 3 – Aug 31
Fall Sowing July 5 Jul 5 – Jul 19

Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May Start Indoors
June Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
July Fall Sowing
August Harvest
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 6b

📆 Growing Season

90 days in Deschutes County

Growing Tips for Deschutes 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 Deschutes County, OR?

Deschutes County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of June 15. Plan your Kai Lan planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Deschutes County, OR?

Deschutes County, Oregon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is June 15 and first fall frost is September 13.

🌱

Your Deschutes County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Deschutes County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Deschutes County, OR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.