Broccoli Raab
Featured Recipes: Gardening Tips: A Second Heaping
Since broccoli Raab thrives best in cool weather, it is a good idea to grow two crops, ones for spring and one for fall. Your second crop will be especially productive and sweet tasting, since it can actually benefit from a touch of frost. Sow it 3 weeks before the first frost is expected. A nitrogen rich fertilizer such as cottonseed meal or blood meal will also improve your results.
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Also known as Rapini, Broccoli Raab is a classic favorite of Italian cooks. Actually the flower shoot of a turnip-like vegetable, it prefers cool weather and can tolerate shade - just a few hours of sunlight seems enough for this resilient variety. Rather than forming heads, Raab forms loose sprouting shoots which should be harvested as needed. The plant will usually re-sprout until hot weather settles in. Raab is great for beginning gardeners - throw the seeds in, cover with a sprinkling of soil, then water; keep the area lightly moist.
Average seed life: 3 years
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#1410 Cima di Rapa Broccoli Raab: 60 days
A crispy, deep green raab that springs up quickly, Cima di Rapa grows to about 12” tall. Harvest before the buds open for sweetest flavor and crunchy texture. Once the buds open, it is still tasty, just a little stronger! Great in the authentic Italian preparation: steam Cima di Rapa two to three minutes while still fiercely bright green. Drain and stir-fry with garlic and olive oil. Toss with cooked penne pasta and add freshly grated parmigiano or romano. (OP.)
Packet of 700 Seeds / $2.75
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#1415 Marzatica Broccoli Raab: Fall/Overwinter
An improved Italian variety, vigorous Marzatica overwinters well for an extra early spring bonanza of classic raab. Its hardy thick-stemmed plants grow 15” tall with full heads of large tasty florets. (OP.)
Packet of 700 Seeds / $2.95
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