When to plant Broccoli Rabe in Davis County, IA
Davis County's spring Broccoli Rabe window runs April 5 through April 26. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. A second sowing from August 7 to August 21 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Broccoli Rabe in Davis County, IA
Broccoli rabe (rapini) is a brassica grown for its slightly bitter, nutty-flavored florets, leaves, and stems. It is a staple in Italian cooking.
Davis County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 19 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 180 days.
At an elevation of 859 feet, Davis County receives approximately 30.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Broccoli Rabe during the growing season.
Davis County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Broccoli Rabe Planting Timeline — Davis County, IA
Broccoli Rabe Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 15 | Mar 15 – Mar 29 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 19 | Apr 19 – May 3 |
| Direct Sow | April 5 | Apr 5 – Apr 26 |
| Harvest | May 31 | May 31 – Jul 5 |
| 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 Harvest |
| 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 5b
📆 Growing Season
180 days in Davis County
Growing Tips for Davis 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 Davis County, IA?
Davis County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 19. Plan your Broccoli Rabe planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Davis County, IA?
Davis County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 19 and first fall frost is October 16.
When should I plant Broccoli Rabe in Davis County, IA?
In Davis County, IA, plant Broccoli Rabe after the last frost (around April 19) and before the first frost (around October 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Davis County, IA for Broccoli Rabe?
Davis County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Broccoli Rabe grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Broccoli Rabe grow in Davis County's climate?
Yes — Broccoli Rabe grows well in Davis County's temperate climate. Davis County averages a 180-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 19 and first frost around October 16.
Your Davis County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Davis County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.