Gai Lan (Chinese Broccoli) in Zone 8a & 8b
Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra
When to plant gai lan (chinese broccoli) in zone 8b
Zones 8a and 8b 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 | Mar 11–Mar 18 |
| Estimated harvest | Apr 25–May 2 (~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 8's season
Zone 8b's frost-free window runs about 230 days, from March 25 to November 10. 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 8b 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 8b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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