How to Grow Broccoli Rabe

Raab leaves and flower buds are edible.

Broccoli rabe (Brassica rapa var. cymosa), also call raab, rapini, and cima de rapa, produces broccoli-like, tender flower buds and mustard green-like leaves on tall, thin stalks. Broccoli rabe grows most reliably and tastes less bitter when grown in cool weather. Broccoli rabe grows to 18 inches tall and can be grown in the ground or in containers. Grow broccoli rabe from seeds or transplants. In fall, direct seed for an early spring harvest. In spring, start seeds indoors six weeks before the last frost and transplant to the garden when temperatures are consistently above 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Things You'll Need

• Broccoli rabe seed or transplants
• Composted cow manure
• Fish emulsion
• Peat
• Watch
• Shovel

Instructions

1. Dig several inches of composted cow manure into garden soil. Spray water on garden soil for five minutes. Wait 15 minutes and dig a 6-inch hole in the soil and check the bottom of the hole for moisture. Dig in 3 inches to 6 inches of peat if the soil did not absorb the water.

2. Broadcast broccoli rabe seed in rows spaced 1 foot to 2 feet apart. If transplanting seedlings, bury the plants 1 inch deeper than they were planted in their original containers. Space transplants 16 inches apart in a staggered pattern.

3. Water broccoli rabe two to three times weekly to maintain moist, but not soggy, soil. Apply 1 inch of water weekly to plants.

4. Top-dress plants with composted cow manure three to five weeks after emergence. Alternatively, apply fish emulsion according to manufacturer's instructions for collard greens.

5. Harvest broccoli rabe leaves when stalks are 4 inches to 8 inches high and as thin as spring asparagus. Harvest flower buds before they open and when heads are approximately 1 inch to 1 1/2 inches in diameter.

Tips & Warnings

• There are two types of broccoli rabe seeds. Plant varieties listed as "fall" for autumn sowing and "spring" for spring sowing.

References

• North Carolina University Extension: Broccoli Raab
• University of Florida IFAS Extension: Broccoli, Raab
• Dave's Garden: Plant Files: Broccoli Raab

Resources

• Vegetable Gardening Online: Growing Broccoli Raab