When to plant Broccoli Rabe in Lafayette County, FL
Lafayette County's spring Broccoli Rabe window runs February 11 through March 4. aim for a steady week of warm soil before planting. A second sowing from October 1 to October 15 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Broccoli Rabe in Lafayette County, FL
Broccoli rabe (rapini) is a brassica grown for its slightly bitter, nutty-flavored florets, leaves, and stems. It is a staple in Italian cooking.
Lafayette County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 4 and the first fall frost is November 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 267 days.
At an elevation of 217 feet, Lafayette County receives approximately 57.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Broccoli Rabe during the growing season. 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.
Lafayette County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Broccoli Rabe Planting Timeline — Lafayette County, FL
Broccoli Rabe Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 4 | Feb 4 – Feb 18 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 4 | Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| Direct Sow | February 11 | Feb 11 – Mar 4 |
| Harvest | April 15 | Apr 15 – May 20 |
| Fall Sowing | October 1 | Oct 1 – Oct 15 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
40–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
267 days in Lafayette County
Growing Tips for Lafayette County
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Broccoli Rabe in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Broccoli Rabe in Lafayette County, FL?
Lafayette County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 4. Plan your Broccoli Rabe planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lafayette County, FL?
Lafayette County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 4 and first fall frost is November 26.
When should I plant Broccoli Rabe in Lafayette County, FL?
In Lafayette County, FL, plant Broccoli Rabe after the last frost (around March 4) and before the first frost (around November 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Lafayette County, FL for Broccoli Rabe?
Lafayette County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Broccoli Rabe grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Broccoli Rabe grow in Lafayette County's climate?
Yes — Broccoli Rabe grows well in Lafayette County's temperate climate. Lafayette County averages a 267-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 4 and first frost around November 26.
Your Lafayette County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Lafayette County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.