When to Plant Broccoli Rabe in Tyler County, WV
Your May gardening checklist
Your Tyler County, West Virginia garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
-
Indoor seed-starting week for broccoli rabe
These need a head start before your last frost (April 24). Sow into cells now so you're ready to transplant in a few weeks.
To set up a strong June, finish these tasks
- 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.
Tyler County, West Virginia is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 179 days.
At an elevation of 2,024 feet, Tyler County receives approximately 51.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Broccoli Rabe during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Broccoli Rabe root diseases.
Tyler County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-7.1
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 Tyler County
How your county's soil matches Broccoli Rabe's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.6–7.1) overlaps with Broccoli Rabe's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Tyler County is excellent for Broccoli Rabe — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.3%). 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 21 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 11.
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 | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.5" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3.5" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.5" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Tyler 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 — Tyler County, WV
Broccoli Rabe Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 24 | Apr 24 – May 8 |
| Direct Sow | April 10 | Apr 10 – May 1 |
| Harvest | June 5 | Jun 5 – Jul 10 |
| Fall Sowing | August 11 | Aug 11 – Aug 25 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
179 days in Tyler County
Growing Tips for Broccoli Rabe in Tyler County
Direct sow Broccoli Rabe outdoors after April 24 in Tyler County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 179.0-day season in Tyler 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
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 Tyler County, WV?
Tyler County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 24. Plan your Broccoli Rabe planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Tyler County, WV?
Tyler County, West Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 20.
Your Tyler County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Tyler 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.