40 to 60 days. Annual. Non-GMO seeds. The Broccoli Raab, also known as Rapini, is more closely related to the turnip and mustard than actual broccoli. This annual crop can be sown indoors and transplanted outside, or grown directly outdoors. The organic seeds produce tall, thin shoots and leaves with a bitter, sharp taste. The raab can withstand frost and is an ideal crop to be grown in colder conditions, when other crops struggle in.
Growing Organic Broccoli Raab Spring Rapini Garden Vegetable Seeds
- Latin Name: brassica oleracea var italica
- Other Names:
- Days to Maturity: 40-60 days
- Hardiness Zone: 7-11
- Planting Depth: 1-2"
- Plant Spacing: 6"
- Row Spacing: 12"
- Growth Habit: Bush
- Soil Preference: Composted soil above six ph, temperature 60 to 65 degrees
- Temp Preference: Warmer
- Light Preference: Full sun
- Pests/diseases: Cabbage worms and aphids.
- Color:Green
- Flavor: Sharper taste than broccoli.
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Seeds Per Package:
- 3 g Packet - Approximately 900 Seeds
- 1 oz - Approximately 9,000 Seeds
- 4 oz - Approximately 36,000 Seeds
- 1 lb - Approximately 144,000 Seeds
- 5 lb - Approximately 720,000 Seeds
Broccoli Raab, known more commonly in Europe as Rapini, can be sown outdoors by digging a furrow and placing the seeds six inches apart. The seeds can also be started indoors, transplanting outside when the seedlings reach three inches in height. When sowing in a furrow, the Broccoli Raab can find it beneficial if the soil is lined with a layer of compost. The soil should be at a PH level above six, and at a temperature between sixty and sixty five degrees. While growing, the crop will need moderate, but even watering. After forty days, some of the heads will be a foot high, and ready to be harvested. By cutting off the main head at eight weeks, side shoots will grow, which you will also be able to harvest.
Check out this University of California Master Gardener Program of Sonama County articleabout growing this rare plant.