When to Plant Broccoli Rabe in St. Lawrence County, NY
This month in St. Lawrence County, New York
Your St. Lawrence County, New York garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
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Set out broccoli rabe seedlings
Your last frost (May 10) has passed. These warm-season crops can handle outdoor soil now.
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Outdoor sowing time: broccoli rabe
Your soil is 55°F — warm enough for these to germinate without babying.
June prep starts now
- Starting indoors: broccoli rabe
- 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.
St. Lawrence County, New York is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is October 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 145 days.
At an elevation of 688 feet, St. Lawrence County receives approximately 39.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Broccoli Rabe to ensure they mature before fall.
St. Lawrence County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.9-6.6
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 St. Lawrence County
How your county's soil matches Broccoli Rabe's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.9–6.6) is more acidic than Broccoli Rabe prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in St. Lawrence County is excellent for Broccoli Rabe — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.9%). Annual compost additions will help Broccoli Rabe.
How to Plant Broccoli Rabe
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Broccoli Rabe
Sow every 4.6 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 03 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 10.
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 | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3.5" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 3.3" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.5" | 3.2" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.5" | 2.9" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in St. Lawrence 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 — St. Lawrence County, NY
Broccoli Rabe Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 29 | Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 10 | May 10 – May 24 |
| Direct Sow | May 3 | May 3 – May 24 |
| Harvest | June 21 | Jun 21 – Jul 26 |
| Fall Sowing | July 10 | Jul 10 – Jul 24 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| 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: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
145 days in St. Lawrence County
Growing Tips for Broccoli Rabe in St. Lawrence County
Direct sow Broccoli Rabe outdoors after May 10 in St. Lawrence County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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
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 St. Lawrence County, NY?
St. Lawrence County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Broccoli Rabe planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is St. Lawrence County, NY?
St. Lawrence County, New York is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is October 2.
Your St. Lawrence County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for St. Lawrence County (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.