When to plant Broccoli Rabe in Franklin County, KY
Franklin County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Plant Broccoli Rabe between March 28 (after last frost on April 11) and April 18. A second sowing from August 17 to August 31 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Broccoli Rabe in Franklin County, KY
Broccoli rabe (rapini) is a brassica grown for its slightly bitter, nutty-flavored florets, leaves, and stems. It is a staple in Italian cooking.
Franklin County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 11 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 198 days.
At an elevation of 3,532 feet, Franklin County receives approximately 44.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Broccoli Rabe during the growing season.
Franklin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Broccoli Rabe Planting Timeline — Franklin County, KY
Broccoli Rabe Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 7 | Mar 7 – Mar 21 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 11 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 |
| Direct Sow | March 28 | Mar 28 – Apr 18 |
| Harvest | May 23 | May 23 – Jun 27 |
| Fall Sowing | August 17 | Aug 17 – Aug 31 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| 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 6b
📆 Growing Season
198 days in Franklin County
Growing Tips for Franklin 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 Franklin County, KY?
Franklin County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 11. Plan your Broccoli Rabe planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Franklin County, KY?
Franklin County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 11 and first fall frost is October 26.
When should I plant Broccoli Rabe in Franklin County, KY?
In Franklin County, KY, plant Broccoli Rabe after the last frost (around April 11) and before the first frost (around October 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Franklin County, KY for Broccoli Rabe?
Franklin County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Broccoli Rabe grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Broccoli Rabe grow in Franklin County's climate?
Yes — Broccoli Rabe grows well in Franklin County's temperate climate. Franklin County averages a 198-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 11 and first frost around October 26.
Your Franklin County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Franklin County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.