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When to Plant Broccoli Rabe in New Brunswick

Broccoli rabe (rapini) is a brassica grown for its slightly bitter, nutty-flavored florets, leaves, and stems. It is a staple in Italian cooking.

New Brunswick spans USDA hardiness zones 5a, 5b, 6a (with planting data available), so planting dates vary by your location within the state. Click your zone below for the most accurate dates.

Find Your County

Click your county for exact Broccoli Rabe planting dates based on your local frost dates.

Broccoli Rabe Planting Calendar for New Brunswick

โ–ธ Zone 5a ~166 day growing season ยท Full guide โ†’

Last frost: April 25 ยท First frost: October 8 ยท 166 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 21 Mar 21 โ€“ Apr 4
Transplant Outdoors April 25 Apr 25 โ€“ May 9
Direct Sow April 11 Apr 11 โ€“ May 2
Harvest June 6 Jun 6 โ€“ Jul 11
Fall Sowing July 30 Jul 30 โ€“ Aug 13
โ–ธ Zone 5b ~178 day growing season ยท Full guide โ†’

Last frost: April 18 ยท First frost: October 13 ยท 178 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 14 Mar 14 โ€“ Mar 28
Transplant Outdoors April 18 Apr 18 โ€“ May 2
Direct Sow April 4 Apr 4 โ€“ Apr 25
Harvest May 30 May 30 โ€“ Jul 4
Fall Sowing August 4 Aug 4 โ€“ Aug 18
โ–ธ Zone 6a ~193 day growing season ยท Full guide โ†’

Last frost: April 10 ยท First frost: October 20 ยท 193 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 6 Mar 6 โ€“ Mar 20
Transplant Outdoors April 10 Apr 10 โ€“ Apr 24
Direct Sow March 27 Mar 27 โ€“ Apr 17
Harvest May 22 May 22 โ€“ Jun 26
Fall Sowing August 11 Aug 11 โ€“ Aug 25

Growing Tips for New Brunswick

Direct sow in spring or fall. Harvest when small yellow flower buds first appear but before they open. Cut the main shoot first to encourage side shoots.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Broccoli Rabe in New Brunswick?

Planting dates for Broccoli Rabe in New Brunswick depend on your USDA zone. New Brunswick spans zones 5a, 5b, 6a. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.

What zone is New Brunswick for planting?

New Brunswick contains USDA hardiness zones 5a, 5b, 6a. Your specific zone depends on your location within the state โ€” northern and higher-elevation areas are in colder zones, while southern and coastal areas are warmer.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Last updated: April 2026.