Gai Lan (Chinese Broccoli) in Zone 5a & 5b

Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra

When to plant gai lan (chinese broccoli) in zone 5b

Zones 5a and 5b 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.

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 5's season

Zone 5b's frost-free window runs about 148 days, from May 10 to October 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

• Botanical Interests
• True Leaf Market
• Burpee
• High Mowing Organic Seeds

See why we recommend these suppliers →

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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 5b 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 5b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.

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