When to Plant Broccoli Rabe in Orleans County, VT
Top priorities for Orleans County, Vermont gardeners in May
Your garden in Orleans County, Vermont is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this May.
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Move broccoli rabe into the garden
Frost risk is low now in Orleans County, Vermont. If you've been covering beds overnight, you can stop.
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Plant broccoli rabe from seed, right in the garden
Succession planting is the secret here. Put in a row now, another in 2 weeks, a third in 4.
June will be here before you know it — start on
- 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.
Orleans County, Vermont is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 13 and the first fall frost is October 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 144 days.
At an elevation of 48 feet, Orleans County receives approximately 49.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Broccoli Rabe to ensure they mature before fall.
Orleans County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.5
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 Orleans County
How your county's soil matches Broccoli Rabe's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–6.5) is more acidic than Broccoli Rabe prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Orleans County is excellent for Broccoli Rabe — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.6%). 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 05 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 12.
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 | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3.5" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.5" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Orleans 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 — Orleans County, VT
Broccoli Rabe Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 1 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 13 | May 13 – May 27 |
| Direct Sow | May 6 | May 6 – May 27 |
| Harvest | June 24 | Jun 24 – Jul 29 |
| Fall Sowing | July 12 | Jul 12 – Jul 26 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| 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
144 days in Orleans County
Growing Tips for Broccoli Rabe in Orleans County
Direct sow Broccoli Rabe outdoors after May 13 in Orleans 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 Orleans County, VT?
Orleans County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 13. Plan your Broccoli Rabe planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Orleans County, VT?
Orleans County, Vermont is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 13 and first fall frost is October 4.
Your Orleans County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Orleans 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.