When to Plant Kai Lan in Calhoun County, WV
Your May game plan for Calhoun County, West Virginia
Welcome to May in Zone 6b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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Sow kai lan in trays indoors
Bottom-water once the first true leaves appear — it keeps stems dry and knocks back damping-off.
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.
Calhoun County, West Virginia is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 25 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 180 days.
At an elevation of 3,223 feet, Calhoun County receives approximately 48.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Kai Lan during the growing season.
Calhoun County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.7
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 Calhoun County
How your county's soil matches Kai Lan's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–6.7) overlaps with Kai Lan's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Calhoun County is excellent for Kai Lan — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.9%). 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 23 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 13.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Calhoun 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 — Calhoun County, WV
Kai Lan Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 21 | Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 25 | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Direct Sow | April 11 | Apr 11 – May 2 |
| Harvest | June 13 | Jun 13 – Jul 11 |
| Fall Sowing | August 13 | Aug 13 – Aug 27 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
180 days in Calhoun County
Growing Tips for Kai Lan in Calhoun County
Direct sow Kai Lan outdoors after April 25 in Calhoun County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 180.0-day season in Calhoun 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
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Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Kai Lan in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Kai Lan in Calhoun County, WV?
Calhoun County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 25. Plan your Kai Lan planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Calhoun County, WV?
Calhoun County, West Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 25 and first fall frost is October 22.
Your Calhoun County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Calhoun 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.