Overview

Broccoli raab, also known as broccoli rabe or rapini, is an easy-to-grow and enjoyable addition to any vegetable garden. More closely related to the turnip than the broccoli, this plant was most likely cultivated from a wild herb originating in the Mediterranean and China. Broccoli raab has two harvest seasons, one in early spring and one in late fall, and can overwinter in milder climates. With its abundant nutrition and complex flavor, broccoli raab is a must-have cool weather crop.

Quarantina is an Italian varietal of broccoli raab that’s considered to be one of the earliest types and will, almost without fail, reach maturity within 40 days of planting. This short growing time gave it the name Quarantina, which means “forty” in Italian. This varietal is a great summer garden option for places with short growing seasons; however, it can also be grown as a year-round crop in USDA Zones 8 and above.

  • Botanical Name: Brassica rapa var. ruvo
  • Plant Type: Vegetable
  • Variety: Quarantina
  • Growth Cycle: Annual
  • Season(s): Spring Summer Fall Winter
  • Climate Zone(s): 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b
  • Light: Full Sun Partial Shade
  • Soil Type(s): Clay Loamy Sandy
  • Yield: 0.3–0.5 lbs per plant
  • Garden Dimensions: 1–4 plants per square foot
  • Germination: 7–14 days
  • Maturity: 40–50 days
  • Harvest: 45–60 days

Cultivation

Propagation

Seed:
Seed Depth: 1/4″
Space Between Plants: Start seeds 1″ apart, thin to 4–6″.
Space Between Rows: 18–14″
Germination Soil Temperature: 50–85°F. Optimal 60–65°F.
Days for Germination: 7–14
Sow Indoors: 3 to 4 weeks before average last frost.
Sow Outdoors: 4 to 6 weeks before average last frost or as soon as soil can be worked. Also, sow in late summer for fall harvest, or early fall for overwintering in warmer climates.

Vegetative: Possible but not recommended.

Climate

Grows best in cool weather, as hot temperatures will cause it to bolt. While plants ideally prefer a temperature range of 40-75°F, they can withstand temperatures as low as 25°F. Like most vegetables in the brassica family, they do not do extremely well in tropical or humid environments.

Light

Natural: Full sun. Tolerates partial shade but will slow in maturity.

Artificial: Grows well under fluorescent or LED lamps. Needs at least 6 hours light per day.

Growing Media

Soil: Prefers a nutrient rich, well-drained soil with slightly acidic pH levels.

Soilless: Will grow in most soilless media, including coco coir and well-rotted manure.

Hydroponics: Thrives in a variety of hydroponic systems.

Aeroponics: Thrives in aeroponic systems.

Care

Water: Requires moderate levels of water. Aim for watering 1–2 times per week. In hot weather, increase watering to avoid wilting.

Nutrients: Requires high levels of nutrients. Broccoli raab needs lots of nitrogen and boron, so add compost or compost tea for a nutrient-boost. If transplanting, incorporate manure or compost into the top several inches of soil where many of the feeder roots are located.

Foliar: Try an organic nutrient spray such as liquid seaweed or fish emulsion.

Pruning: Trim damaged or diseased leaves to promote new growth.

Mulching: Use mulch to maintain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

Troubleshooting

Pest(s):

  • Cabbage aphids
  • Cabbage worms
  • Cutworms
  • Flea beetles
  • Maggot flies
  • Slugs
  • Snails

Disease(s):

  • Black rot
  • Club root

Deficiency(s): A boron deficiency will cause plants to develop hollow stems. Add compost or spray with compost tea to amend.

Rotation and Companion Plants

Rotation: A 1- to 3-year rotation away from all members of the brassica family is recommended. At the end of the growing season, remove the entire plant, including the root system.

Companions: Grows well with members of the nightshade family, as well as cucumber, beet, carrot, and spinach. Avoid snap and pole beans.

Harvest and Storage

Harvest: Plan to harvest in late spring or early fall in most climates, or early spring if overwintering. For greens, harvest leaves and stems by cutting to the ground before signs of flower stalk formation. For florets, cut after shoots form but before buds open.

Storage: Can be refrigerated for up to a week in a plastic bag. Once frozen, it will store well for several months.

Other Info

Fun Fact: This plant grew wild all over California in the early 1900s and was first domesticated by an Italian immigrant by the name of D’Arrigo. D’Arrigo recognized the plant from his home country and started to breed, market, and sell it to others in his community. The popularity of the plant eventually spread, and it can now be found in markets all over the country.

Consumption

Preserve and Prepare

Preserve: Can be blanched and frozen for later consumption.

Prepare: Broccoli raab has a sharp, nutty, slightly bitter flavor, and blanching can tone this down. Sauté in olive oil with garlic and other spices of your choice for a tantalizing side dish.

Benefits

Nutritional: Provides vitamin(s) K, C, A, calcium, potassium, iron, zinc, potassium, and riboflavin. It’s also rich in antioxidants.

Medicinal: Broccoli raab is currently being investigated for its anti-cancer properties. It contains phytochemicals proven to prevent cellular damage from free radicals. Its high vitamin K content implies bone strengthening properties. It also contains sulfur and other compounds that are known to aid in detoxification of the liver.

Culinary

Get a real taste of Italy with this delectable pasta dish with Broccoli Raab and Tomato Wine Sauce.

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