
Stems 4–8" in length can be bunched for sale or sold loose. HARVEST:Before flower buds open, cut stems of central head and side shoots. See individual varieties for pinching recommendations. PINCHING:For some varieties, side-shoot production can be encouraged by pinching the apical bud at first emergence. See individual varieties for duration of vernalization period. COLD TREATMENT (VERNALIZATION):Late-sprouting varieties require exposure to temperatures at or below 50☏ (10☌) to induce budding. DIRECT SEEDING:Sow 3 seeds per foot, ½" deep, rows 18–36" apart, thinning to one plant in each group. Transplant outdoors 6–12" apart for spring raab and 12–24" apart for sprouting broccoli in rows 18–36" apart. If possible keep soil temperature 75–80☏ (24–27☌) until germination, then reduce air temperature to about 60☏ (16☌). Seedlings should be ready to transplant in 3–4 weeks. in 20-row flats, or in outdoor beds ¼" deep.

TRANSPLANTING:Sow 2 seeds per cell in 72-cell plug flats, 3–4 seeds/in. Prevent disease with crop rotation and good sanitation. Cabbage worms can be controlled with Bacillus thuringiensis. Flea beetles can also be controlled with insecticides such as azadirachtin or pyrethrin.

DISEASES AND INSECT PESTS:Prevent flea beetle damage by applying floating row cover at planting. Prefers a consistent supply of moisture throughout the growing season. CULTURE:Prefers a well-drained, fertile soil high in organic matter with a pH of 6.0–7.5. SCIENTIFIC NAME:Brassica oleracea (unless otherwise indicated). Large, tender, abundant leaves borne on thin stems with delicate buds. Large plants mature over a 1-2 week period. I've tried making a version without the broccoli raab but this is really the key ingredient.The most versatile broccoli raab variety for growing throughout the season - especially for spring and summer harvest, and overwintering in mild climates. I love this salad for its bright bold flavors and the wonderful fresh taste you get. I like to toss the greens with red onion, some shaved radish and thick pieces of carrot for crunch. You really have to pair broccoli raab with mellower greens or risk having a salad that is impossibly bitter. I usually combine them with whatever other greens I can find but I'm always careful to watch the bitterness. In the summertime I love to make mixed green salads that have the leaves of broccoli raab in them. It has gotten to the point that I expect to eat broccoli raab all year long because it shows up so often on my dinner table and trust me, I'm not complaining.

I can't really say this about any other plant in my garden.
#Broccoli rabe seedlings full
If I plan carefully I can get several full crops of broccoli raab in a single year. As near as I can tell we have the perfect soil and climate for it. I live in the Northwest and I have been growing broccoli raab in my garden for years. I love Italian food and I especially love that they use unusual ingredients like broccoli rabb and elevate them to new levels. I have also had broccoli raab incorporated into pastas with cream sauce and also into some amazing salads. The bitterness of the leaves is a perfect compliment to the sweet juiciness of tomatoes and the florets are delicious when covered in garlic and olive oil. Whether it be the leaves or the floret's or some piece in between, this delicious and versatile vegetable pairs beautifully with the traditional flavors of Italy. I have traveled extensively in Italy and have had some amazing dishes incorporating broccoli raab. Of course you can add any additional meats or vegetables that you like. Usually I end up putting it in a stir-fry after I've boiled it if I need some more color.Ī good way to stir-fry broccoli raab is with some ginger and garlic in a bit of canola oil. I find that boiled broccoli raab really helps to get rid some of its bitterness, making it easier to eat. I actually have come to like broccoli raab, although only when it is well cooked. If you have a chance of traveling through Asia there is indeed a good chance that you will come across broccoli raab in one of your dishes. Just blanch it in hot water then dip it in ice cold water. If you have trouble stomaching broccoli raab's bitter taste, you can try shocking it.

That is pretty impressive for a leafy vegetable.
