When to Plant Broccoli Rabe in USDA Zone 7a
Broccoli rabe (rapini) is a brassica grown for its slightly bitter, nutty-flavored florets, leaves, and stems. It is a staple in Italian cooking.
In Zone 7a, the average last spring frost is around March 25 and the first fall frost is around November 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 221 days.
Broccoli Rabe Planting Timeline — Zone 7a
Where Is USDA Zone 7a?
The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 7a. Click any state to see the Broccoli Rabe planting schedule for that location.
Broccoli Rabe Planting Calendar — Zone 7a
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 18 | Feb 18 – Mar 4 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 25 | Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
| Direct Sow | March 11 | Mar 11 – Apr 1 |
| Harvest | May 6 | May 6 – Jun 10 |
| Fall Sowing | August 23 | Aug 23 – Sep 6 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Free Zone 7a Planting Calendar PDF
Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 7a with start dates, transplant windows, and harvest times.
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
40–60 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
Zone Temperature Range
0°F to 5°F average annual minimum
Growing Season
221 days (Zone 7a average)
Planting Specifications
| Planting Depth | 1 inches |
| Plant Spacing | 15 inches apart |
| Row Spacing | 24 inches between rows |
Succession Planting Broccoli Rabe in Zone 7a
Sow every 4.6 weeks for continuous harvest throughout the season.
Growing Tips for Broccoli Rabe in Zone 7a
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.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Saving Broccoli Rabe Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.
Keep your garden organized with durable, weather-resistant plant labels.
Related Plants
Broccoli Rabe in Other Zones
Broccoli Rabe by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Broccoli Rabe in Zone 7a?
In Zone 7a, plan your Broccoli Rabe planting around the average last frost date of March 25. Start seeds indoors around February 18. Direct sow outdoors around March 11. Transplant seedlings around March 25.
Can Broccoli Rabe grow in Zone 7a?
Yes, Broccoli Rabe can grow well in Zone 7a, hardy in USDA zones 2a through 10b. Zone 7a has a growing season of approximately 221 days, which is sufficient for Broccoli Rabe (40-60 days to maturity).
When can I harvest Broccoli Rabe in Zone 7a?
In Zone 7a, expect to harvest Broccoli Rabe from May 6 – June 10. Broccoli Rabe takes 40-60 days from planting to harvest.
What is the last frost date for Zone 7a?
The average last spring frost in Zone 7a is around March 25, and the first fall frost is around November 1. This gives a growing season of approximately 221 days. These are 50% probability dates — actual frost dates vary year to year.
What should I plant next to Broccoli Rabe?
Good companion plants for Broccoli Rabe include Onion, Garlic, Celery. These companions can help with pest control, pollination, and nutrient sharing.
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