When to plant Broccoli Rabe in Jo Daviess County, IL
Jo Daviess County's climate puts the Broccoli Rabe spring window between April 10 and May 1. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. A second sowing from August 2 to August 16 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Broccoli Rabe in Jo Daviess 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.
Jo Daviess County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 170 days.
At an elevation of 501 feet, Jo Daviess County receives approximately 35.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Broccoli Rabe during the growing season.
Jo Daviess County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Broccoli Rabe Planting Timeline — Jo Daviess County, IL
Broccoli Rabe Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 24 | Apr 24 – May 8 |
| Direct Sow | April 10 | Apr 10 – May 1 |
| Harvest | June 5 | Jun 5 – Jul 10 |
| Fall Sowing | August 2 | Aug 2 – Aug 16 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| 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 5a
📆 Growing Season
170 days in Jo Daviess County
Growing Tips for Jo Daviess 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 Jo Daviess County, IL?
Jo Daviess County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 24. Plan your Broccoli Rabe planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Jo Daviess County, IL?
Jo Daviess County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 11.
When should I plant Broccoli Rabe in Jo Daviess County, IL?
In Jo Daviess County, IL, plant Broccoli Rabe after the last frost (around April 24) and before the first frost (around October 11). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Jo Daviess County, IL for Broccoli Rabe?
Jo Daviess County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Broccoli Rabe grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Broccoli Rabe grow in Jo Daviess County's climate?
Yes — Broccoli Rabe grows well in Jo Daviess County's temperate climate. Jo Daviess County averages a 170-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 24 and first frost around October 11.
Your Jo Daviess County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Jo Daviess County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.