When to Plant Broccoli Rabe in Mississippi County, MO
May in Mississippi County, Missouri — your action list
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Mississippi County, Missouri.
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Start broccoli rabe under lights
Give them 6–8 weeks indoors before the last frost and you'll transplant into warm soil with seedlings that are already leaping.
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Start harvesting broccoli rabe
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- First harvests: broccoli rabe
Broccoli rabe (rapini) is a brassica grown for its slightly bitter, nutty-flavored florets, leaves, and stems. It is a staple in Italian cooking.
Mississippi County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 1 and the first fall frost is October 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 210 days.
At an elevation of 1,274 feet, Mississippi County receives approximately 40 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Broccoli Rabe during the growing season.
Mississippi County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.6
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Mississippi County
How your county's soil matches Broccoli Rabe's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.6–6.6) overlaps with Broccoli Rabe's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Mississippi County is excellent for Broccoli Rabe — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Broccoli Rabe.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). Annual compost additions will help Broccoli Rabe.
How to Plant Broccoli Rabe
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Broccoli Rabe
Sow every 4.6 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 29 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 19.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Broccoli Rabe
Broccoli Rabe needs approximately 0.8 inches of water per week (3.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Broccoli Rabe Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.5" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3.5" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.5" | 3.1" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Mississippi County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Broccoli Rabe Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Broccoli Rabe Planting Timeline — Mississippi County, MO
Broccoli Rabe Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 25 | Feb 25 – Mar 11 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 1 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Direct Sow | March 18 | Mar 18 – Apr 8 |
| Harvest | May 13 | May 13 – Jun 17 |
| Fall Sowing | August 19 | Aug 19 – Sep 2 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| 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
0.8"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
40–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
210 days in Mississippi County
Growing Tips for Broccoli Rabe in Mississippi County
Direct sow Broccoli Rabe outdoors after April 01 in Mississippi County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 210.0-day season in Mississippi County allows multiple plantings of Broccoli Rabe. Sow every 20.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Broccoli Rabe in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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
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Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Broccoli Rabe in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Broccoli Rabe in Mississippi County, MO?
Mississippi County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 1. Plan your Broccoli Rabe planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Mississippi County, MO?
Mississippi County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 1 and first fall frost is October 28.
Your Mississippi County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Mississippi County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.