Gai Lan (Chinese Broccoli) in Zone 3a & 3b

Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra

When to plant gai lan (chinese broccoli) in zone 3b

Zones 3a and 3b share the same average frost dates in our data, so this page covers both.

Method: Direct sow: Direct-sow outside. Gai Lan (Chinese Broccoli) doesn't transplant well, or doesn't need the extra time indoors.

Start indoorsNot typically started indoors
Direct sow / transplant outsideMay 16–May 23
Estimated harvestJun 30–Jul 7 (~45 days after direct-sowing)

Spacing: 4 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 1-1.5 ft.

Gai lan, also called Chinese broccoli or kailaan, is grown for its thick, tender flowering stalks rather than a dense broccoli head, with a milder, slightly sweeter flavor than standard broccoli.

How gai lan (chinese broccoli) fits zone 3's season

Zone 3b's frost-free window runs about 98 days, from May 30 to September 5. Gai Lan (Chinese Broccoli) needs about 45 days from sowing to first harvest.

Good companions

No standout companions recorded yet for Gai Lan (Chinese Broccoli).

Where to buy gai lan seeds

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See it growing

Search YouTube for "growing gai lan (chinese broccoli)" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)

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Growing Gai Lan (Chinese Broccoli) in USDA zone 3b

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Growing Gai Lan (Chinese Broccoli) in USDA zone 3b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.

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