Broccoli Rabe (Raab) in Zone 3a & 3b

Brassica rapa var. ruvo

When to plant broccoli rabe (raab) in zone 3b

Zones 3a and 3b share the same average frost dates in our data, so this page covers both.

Method: Direct sow: Direct-sow outside. Broccoli Rabe (Raab) doesn't transplant well, or doesn't need the extra time indoors.

Start indoors	Not typically started indoors
Direct sow / transplant outside	May 9–May 16
Estimated harvest	Jun 23–Jun 30 (~45 days after direct-sowing)

Spacing: 4 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 1-1.5 ft.

Broccoli rabe, also spelled raab, isn't a true broccoli despite the name. It's a leafier, faster, more pungent brassica grown for its young leaves, stems, and small flower buds all together, with a distinctly bitter, mustardy edge closer to a turnip green than standard broccoli.

How broccoli rabe (raab) fits zone 3's season

Zone 3b's frost-free window runs about 98 days, from May 30 to September 5. Broccoli Rabe (Raab) needs about 45 days from sowing to first harvest.

Good companions

No standout companions recorded yet for Broccoli Rabe (Raab).

Where to buy broccoli rabe seeds

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