When to Plant Broccoli Rabe in USDA Zone 7b
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 7b, the average last spring frost is around March 18 and the first fall frost is around November 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 235 days.
Broccoli Rabe Planting Timeline — Zone 7b
Where Is USDA Zone 7b?
The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 7b. Click any state to see the Broccoli Rabe planting schedule for that location.
Broccoli Rabe Planting Calendar — Zone 7b
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 11 | Feb 11 – Feb 25 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 18 | Mar 18 – Apr 1 |
| Direct Sow | March 4 | Mar 4 – Mar 25 |
| Harvest | April 29 | Apr 29 – Jun 3 |
| Fall Sowing | August 30 | Aug 30 – Sep 13 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Free Zone 7b Planting Calendar PDF
Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 7b 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
5°F to 10°F average annual minimum
Growing Season
235 days (Zone 7b average)
Planting Specifications
| Planting Depth | 1 inches |
| Plant Spacing | 15 inches apart |
| Row Spacing | 24 inches between rows |
Succession Planting Broccoli Rabe in Zone 7b
Sow every 4.6 weeks for continuous harvest throughout the season.
Growing Tips for Broccoli Rabe in Zone 7b
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 7b?
In Zone 7b, plan your Broccoli Rabe planting around the average last frost date of March 18. Start seeds indoors around February 11. Direct sow outdoors around March 4. Transplant seedlings around March 18.
Can Broccoli Rabe grow in Zone 7b?
Yes, Broccoli Rabe can grow well in Zone 7b, hardy in USDA zones 2a through 10b. Zone 7b has a growing season of approximately 235 days, which is sufficient for Broccoli Rabe (40-60 days to maturity).
When can I harvest Broccoli Rabe in Zone 7b?
In Zone 7b, expect to harvest Broccoli Rabe from April 29 – June 3. Broccoli Rabe takes 40-60 days from planting to harvest.
What is the last frost date for Zone 7b?
The average last spring frost in Zone 7b is around March 18, and the first fall frost is around November 8. This gives a growing season of approximately 235 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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