Broccoli raab / Stem cabbage / Cima di rapa

Brassica rapa var. cymosa

Plant family

Crucifers (Brassicaceae)

Cultivation Break

4 Years

Season Overview

Propagating

Planting

Harvest

J

F

M

A

M

J

A

S

O

N

D

Details

Light requirement

Sunny

Water requirement

Moist

Soil

Medium (loamy)

Nutrient requirement

Medium

Dark germinator

Germination temperature

15 - 20 °C (Degrees Celsius)

Plant distance

30 cm

Row spacing

50 cm

Seeding depth

1.5 cm

Instructions

Description

Stem cabbage, Rappa, Cima di Rapa or Broccoli raab, belongs to the cruciferous family (Brassicaceae) and is similar to turnip greens and somewhat reminiscent of broccoli. Stem cabbage is an annual plant with curly leaves and grows up to 1 m/1.1 yd tall. The stems and buds are very tender and stem cabbage is rich in vitamins. The stem cabbage grows rapidly.

Origin:

Southern Italy

Growing tips

Germination at above 15°C/59°F in 7-10 days. Culture time: 40-80 days. Keep weed-free. Harvest just before the flower buds open, then the stems are particularly juicy. Everything is utilized: Flowers, stems and the leaves. It is best to cultivate in the spring with a harvest starting in June or in the fall with a harvest between September and December.