Broccoli Rapini in a glass jar with leaves surround on a white background
Cooked Rapini with blooms on a plate sitting on a vintage wooden background.
A close-up of Rapini growing in the greenhouse at Baker Creek in Mansfield, MO.
A man holding a grilled plate of gourmet Rapini.
An extreme close-up of Rapini growing in the garden.
Rapini blooming with bright yellow edible flowers in the garden at Baker Creek.
Huge Rapini plants growing on the farm at Baker Creek.
A close-up of sprouting heads of Rapini on the plant.
A close-up view of Rapini heads and blooms.
Broccoli Rapini in a glass jar with leaves surround on a white background
Cooked Rapini with blooms on a plate sitting on a vintage wooden background.
A close-up of Rapini growing in the greenhouse at Baker Creek in Mansfield, MO.
A man holding a grilled plate of gourmet Rapini.
An extreme close-up of Rapini growing in the garden.
Rapini blooming with bright yellow edible flowers in the garden at Baker Creek.
Huge Rapini plants growing on the farm at Baker Creek.
A close-up of sprouting heads of Rapini on the plant.
A close-up view of Rapini heads and blooms.

Broccoli Seeds,
Rapini

4.237 ReviewsSKU: #BR103
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Min. 300 seeds

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Description

(Brassica rapa) An Italian non-heading broccoli (also known as broccoli raab or broccoli rabe), rapini is grown for flavorful, asparagus-like spring shoots and leaves; it is great for cooking or in salads. High in vitamin A and so delicious!

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Brassica rapa
Life Cycle
Biennial
Sun Requirement
6–8 hr.
Days to Germinate
3–10
Days to Maturity
40–75
Planting Depth
¼–½ in.
Plant Spacing
6–12 in.
Ideal Temperature
50–75°F
Frost Hardy
Yes

Growing Guide

When to Grow

Rapini is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 3–10. It prefers cooler temperatures, ideally between 60 and 80°F. It can tolerate some frost, making it well-suited for early spring or fall planting. It prefers full sun, but in warmer climates, providing partial shade can help protect the plants from excessive heat​. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

How to Sow and Plant

Sowing seeds: Direct sow seeds about ¼ to ½ inch deep in the soil, spacing them approximately 4 inches apart. Once seedlings emerge and develop a few true leaves, thin them to about 12 inches apart to reduce competition and ensure healthy growth.

Transplanting: If starting seeds indoors, transplant seedlings when they are strong enough and after hardening them off. Plant them at the same depth they were in their pots, spacing them 12 inches apart.

How to Grow

Provide full sun. Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during dry spells. Watering should be done at the soil level to avoid wetting the foliage and reduce the risk of disease. You can use a balanced organic fertilizer or compost tea throughout the growing season. Side-dressing with nitrogen-rich fertilizer can boost yields. Weed regularly to prevent competition for nutrients. Be gentle to avoid disturbing the roots of the plants​​.

How to Save Seeds

Allow the late season plants to bolt, and once they flower you can allow the seeds to dry completely, shake them free of the flowers, and save them in a cool, dark, and dry place for next year’s garden.

FAQ

What are the best growing conditions for Rapini?

Broccoli rapini feels best in cool temperatures between 60 to 80° F, full sun, and well-drained, rich soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0.

How often should I water Rapini?

Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water at the base of the plants to prevent fungal diseases.

Can Rapini be grown in containers?

Yes, broccoli rapini can be grown in containers. Fill the container with a mix of potting soil and compost, ensuring full sun and plenty of water.

Browse our full range of broccoli seeds.

Customer reviews

4.2 / 5 37 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Fast and easy: Germinates in days and is ready to cut within weeks.

  • Cut and come again: Keep cutting and the shoots keep coming; a few plants feed two.

  • Garlic and olive oil: Sauteed with garlic, tossed with pasta or sausage; blanch to mellow.

  • Bees love the blooms: Let a few flower and the yellow blooms draw honeybees.

  • Heads up: Bolts fast in heat and can be bitter or woody; pick young.

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