When to plant Broccoli Rabe in Duval County County,
In Duval County County, plant Broccoli Rabe in spring between February 3 and February 24, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Duval County County's last frost averages February 24, so aim for a steady week of warm soil before planting. For a fall crop, sow between October 4 and October 18 — roughly 60 days before the first frost on November 29.
When to Plant Broccoli Rabe in Duval County, FL
Top priorities for Duval County, Florida gardeners in June
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this June, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
Broccoli rabe (rapini) is a brassica grown for its slightly bitter, nutty-flavored florets, leaves, and stems. It is a staple in Italian cooking.
Duval County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 24 and the first fall frost is November 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 278 days.
At an elevation of 337 feet, Duval County receives approximately 56.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 102°F, so Broccoli Rabe may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Broccoli Rabe will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Broccoli Rabe root diseases.
Duval County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
5-5.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Broccoli Rabe Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Duval County
How your county's soil matches Broccoli Rabe's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.0–5.8) is more acidic than Broccoli Rabe prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Duval County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Broccoli Rabe will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.4%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Broccoli Rabe.
How to Plant Broccoli Rabe
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Broccoli Rabe
Sow every 4.6 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 30 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 04.
Broccoli Rabe Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Broccoli Rabe
Broccoli Rabe needs approximately 0.8 inches of water per week (3.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Broccoli Rabe Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 3.5" | 2.8" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 3.5" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3.5" | 3" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.5" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 8.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 7.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 8.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 6.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.5" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3.5" | 2.6" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Nov in Duval County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Broccoli Rabe Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Broccoli Rabe Planting Timeline — Duval County, FL
Broccoli Rabe Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 27 | Jan 27 – Feb 10 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 24 | Feb 24 – Mar 10 |
| Direct Sow | February 3 | Feb 3 – Feb 24 |
| Harvest | April 7 | Apr 7 – May 12 |
| Fall Sowing | October 4 | Oct 4 – Oct 18 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.8"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
40–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
278 days in Duval County
Growing Tips for Broccoli Rabe in Duval County
Direct sow Broccoli Rabe outdoors after February 24 in Duval County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Duval County dries quickly — mulch Broccoli Rabe with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 102°F in Duval County, provide afternoon shade for Broccoli Rabe and water deeply in the morning.
Your generous 279.0-day season in Duval County allows multiple plantings of Broccoli Rabe. Sow every 20.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Broccoli Rabe in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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
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Broccoli Rabe in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Broccoli Rabe in Duval County, FL?
Duval County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 24. Plan your Broccoli Rabe planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Duval County, FL?
Duval County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 24 and first fall frost is November 29.
When should I plant Broccoli Rabe in Duval County, ?
In Duval County, , plant Broccoli Rabe after the last frost (around February 24) and before the first frost (around November 29). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Duval County, for Broccoli Rabe?
Duval County sits in USDA Zone 9b. Broccoli Rabe grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Broccoli Rabe grow in Duval County's climate?
Yes — Broccoli Rabe grows well in Duval County's temperate climate. Duval County averages a 279-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 24 and first frost around November 29.
Your Duval County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Duval County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.