When to plant Broccoli Rabe in Steinhatchee, FL
Spring Broccoli Rabe in Steinhatchee goes in February 13–March 6, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing. A second sowing from September 28 to October 12 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Broccoli Rabe in Steinhatchee, FL
Your July game plan for Taylor County, Florida
Here's what deserves your attention in Taylor County, Florida this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 9a and timed around your local frost dates.
Broccoli rabe (rapini) is a brassica grown for its slightly bitter, nutty-flavored florets, leaves, and stems. It is a staple in Italian cooking.
Steinhatchee, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 6 and the first fall frost is November 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 262 days.
At an elevation of 344 feet, Taylor County receives approximately 59.1 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.
Steinhatchee Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
5.1-6.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Broccoli Rabe
Broccoli Rabe needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Broccoli Rabe Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 7.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 9.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 7.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 7.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Taylor County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Broccoli Rabe Planting Timeline — Steinhatchee, FL
Broccoli Rabe Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 6 | Feb 6 – Feb 20 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 6 | Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Direct Sow | February 13 | Feb 13 – Mar 6 |
| Harvest | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 22 |
| Fall Sowing | September 28 | Sep 28 – Oct 12 |
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 | Fall Sowing |
| 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
262 days in Taylor County
Growing Tips for Steinhatchee
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
When should I plant Broccoli Rabe in Steinhatchee, FL?
In Steinhatchee, FL, plant Broccoli Rabe after the last frost (around March 6) and before the first frost (around November 23). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Steinhatchee, FL for Broccoli Rabe?
Steinhatchee 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 Steinhatchee's climate?
Yes — Broccoli Rabe grows well in Steinhatchee's temperate climate. Steinhatchee averages a 262-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 6 and first frost around November 23.
Your Taylor County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Taylor 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.