When to plant Broccoli Rabe in Fulton County County,
In Fulton County County, plant Broccoli Rabe in spring between April 6 and April 27, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Fulton County County's last frost averages April 20, so time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. For a fall crop, sow between August 7 and August 21 — roughly 60 days before the first frost on October 16.
When to Plant Broccoli Rabe in Fulton County, IL
Broccoli rabe (rapini) is a brassica grown for its slightly bitter, nutty-flavored florets, leaves, and stems. It is a staple in Italian cooking.
Fulton County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 20 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 179 days.
At an elevation of 1,162 feet, Fulton County receives approximately 39.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Broccoli Rabe to ensure they mature before fall.
Fulton County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-6.7
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 | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Fulton County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Broccoli Rabe Planting Timeline — Fulton County, IL
Broccoli Rabe Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 16 | Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 20 | Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Direct Sow | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 27 |
| Harvest | June 1 | Jun 1 – Jul 6 |
| Fall Sowing | August 7 | Aug 7 – Aug 21 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| 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 6a
📆 Growing Season
179 days in Fulton County
Growing Tips for Fulton 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 Fulton County, IL?
Fulton County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 20. Plan your Broccoli Rabe planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Fulton County, IL?
Fulton County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 20 and first fall frost is October 16.
When should I plant Broccoli Rabe in Fulton County County, ?
In Fulton County County, , plant Broccoli Rabe after the last frost (around April 20) and before the first frost (around October 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Fulton County County, for Broccoli Rabe?
Fulton County County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Broccoli Rabe grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Broccoli Rabe grow in Fulton County County's climate?
Yes — Broccoli Rabe grows well in Fulton County County's temperate climate. Fulton County County averages a 179-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 20 and first frost around October 16.
Your Fulton County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Fulton County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.