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When to plant Broccoli Rabe in Vanderburgh County, IN

Spring Broccoli Rabe in Vanderburgh County goes in March 24–April 14, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing. A second sowing from August 20 to September 3 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Broccoli Rabe in Vanderburgh County, IN

Broccoli rabe (rapini) is a brassica grown for its slightly bitter, nutty-flavored florets, leaves, and stems. It is a staple in Italian cooking.

Vanderburgh County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 7 and the first fall frost is October 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 205 days.

At an elevation of 901 feet, Vanderburgh County receives approximately 40.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Broccoli Rabe during the growing season.

Vanderburgh County, IN (Zone 7a) Long season
205 days
Last Spring Frost April 7
205 growing days
First Fall Frost October 29

Vanderburgh County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Broccoli Rabe Planting Timeline — Vanderburgh County, IN

Broccoli Rabe Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 3 Mar 3 – Mar 17
Transplant Outdoors April 7 Apr 7 – Apr 21
Direct Sow March 24 Mar 24 – Apr 14
Harvest May 19 May 19 – Jun 23
Fall Sowing August 20 Aug 20 – Sep 3

Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Harvest
June Harvest
July
August Fall Sowing
September Fall Sowing
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 7a

📆 Growing Season

205 days in Vanderburgh County

Growing Tips for Vanderburgh 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

  • Strawberries

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Broccoli Rabe in Vanderburgh County, IN?

Vanderburgh County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 7. Plan your Broccoli Rabe planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Vanderburgh County, IN?

Vanderburgh County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 7 and first fall frost is October 29.

When should I plant Broccoli Rabe in Vanderburgh County, IN?

In Vanderburgh County, IN, plant Broccoli Rabe after the last frost (around April 7) and before the first frost (around October 29). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Vanderburgh County, IN for Broccoli Rabe?

Vanderburgh County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Broccoli Rabe grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Broccoli Rabe grow in Vanderburgh County's climate?

Yes — Broccoli Rabe grows well in Vanderburgh County's temperate climate. Vanderburgh County averages a 205-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 7 and first frost around October 29.

🌱

Your Vanderburgh County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Vanderburgh County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Vanderburgh County, IN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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