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 indoors | Not typically started indoors |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | May 16–May 23 |
| Estimated harvest | Jun 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)
← Back to the full zone 3b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →

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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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