Broccoli Rabe (Raab) in Zone 8a & 8b

Brassica rapa var. ruvo

When to plant broccoli rabe (raab) in zone 8b

Zones 8a and 8b 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	Mar 4–Mar 11
Estimated harvest	Apr 18–Apr 25 (~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 8's season

Zone 8b's frost-free window runs about 230 days, from March 25 to November 10. 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

See why we recommend these suppliers →

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this page also go to other retailers we may earn a commission from as an affiliate, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products with a genuine consensus of positive, independent reviews. See the sources cited on each item.