When to Plant Kai Lan in Throckmorton County, TX
Your May planting checklist for Throckmorton County, Texas
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Throckmorton County, Texas this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Start kai lan indoors
Label every cell. You will absolutely forget which is which otherwise.
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It's harvest week for kai lan
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
Get ahead of June
- 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.
Throckmorton County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 31 and the first fall frost is November 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 223 days.
At an elevation of 4,952 feet, Throckmorton County receives approximately 60.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Kai Lan during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Kai Lan root diseases.
Throckmorton County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.2
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 Throckmorton County
How your county's soil matches Kai Lan's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.5–7.2) is within Kai Lan's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Throckmorton County is excellent for Kai Lan — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.9%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting 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 Sep 10 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 31.
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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 5.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 8.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 11.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 7.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 7.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Throckmorton 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 — Throckmorton County, TX
Kai Lan Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 24 | Feb 24 – Mar 10 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 31 | Mar 31 – Apr 14 |
| Direct Sow | March 17 | Mar 17 – Apr 7 |
| Harvest | May 19 | May 19 – Jun 16 |
| Fall Sowing | August 31 | Aug 31 – Sep 14 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors 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 · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
45–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
223 days in Throckmorton County
Growing Tips for Kai Lan in Throckmorton County
Direct sow Kai Lan outdoors after March 31 in Throckmorton County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 223.0-day season in Throckmorton 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 Throckmorton County, TX?
Throckmorton County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 31. Plan your Kai Lan planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Throckmorton County, TX?
Throckmorton County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 31 and first fall frost is November 9.
Your Throckmorton County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Throckmorton County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.