When to Plant Kai Lan in Enumclaw, WA
Top priorities for King County, Washington gardeners in July
Welcome to July in Zone 9a. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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.
Enumclaw, Washington is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is April 7 and the first fall frost is October 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 206 days.
At an elevation of 258 feet, King County receives approximately 37.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Kai Lan during the growing season.
Enumclaw Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.4
Drainage
Well Drained
Kai Lan 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 Enumclaw
How your county's soil matches Kai Lan's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.4) overlaps with Kai Lan's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in King County is excellent for Kai Lan — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.5%) — Kai Lan will thrive.
How to Plant Kai Lan
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Kai Lan
Sow every 5.1 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 31 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 04.
Kai Lan 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 | — | 5.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0.6" | 3.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0.7" | 3.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 5.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 5.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in King 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 — Enumclaw, WA
Kai Lan Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 10 | Mar 10 – Mar 24 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 7 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Direct Sow | March 17 | Mar 17 – Apr 7 |
| Harvest | May 26 | May 26 – Jun 23 |
| Fall Sowing | September 4 | Sep 4 – Sep 18 |
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 | — |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
206 days in King County
Growing Tips for Kai Lan in Enumclaw
Direct sow Kai Lan outdoors after April 07 in King County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 206.0-day season in King 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
Your King County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for King County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.