BROCCOLI RAAB ‘Rapini’ Vegetable Seeds
Botanical Name: Brassica rapa subsp. ruvo
Important Notice: These seeds have been treated with a fungicide (Thiram). Do not consume the seeds or feed them to animals. Fungicide treatment is a requirement under AQIS regulations for certain seed varieties. This treatment does not affect the growth of your crops or pose a risk to beneficial insects like bees. We make every effort to source untreated seed stock whenever possible; however, availability in Australia is extremely limited.
- Traditional Italian heirloom grown for its tender leaves, stems, and compact broccoli-like buds.
- Distinct peppery, slightly bitter flavour that mellows when sautéed or blanched.
- Fast-maturing—ideal for quick cool-season crops and successive sowings.
- Pick-and-come-again harvests: cut budding shoots to encourage fresh side growth.
- Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, plus antioxidants and fibre.
- Excellent for stir-fries, pasta, pizzas, and warm salads.
- Thrives in cool weather; best quality in mild conditions.
Plant Details
- Type: Annual cool-season vegetable
- Height: 30–60 cm
Sowing Information
- Germination: 5–10 days
- Depth: 0.5–1 cm deep
- Position: Full sun to light partial shade
- Sow Where: Direct into garden beds or start in seed trays for transplanting
- Soil Type: Fertile, well-drained soil with pH 6–7; enrich with compost before sowing
- Spacing: 10–20 cm between plants; rows 25–35 cm apart
Growing Tips
- Grow quickly for best flavour—keep soil evenly moist and feed with a light, balanced fertiliser.
- Mulch to retain moisture and reduce weed pressure.
- Harvest budding shoots before flowers open; frequent picking promotes more side shoots.
- In warming weather, provide afternoon shade or water stress can hasten bolting.
Harvest
40–60 days from sowing. Cut tender stems with unopened buds and young leaves; plants will reshoot for multiple pickings.
When to Sow Broccoli Raab in Your Climate
| Climate Zone | Best Planting Time | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Temperate | March–June, August–September | Sow early spring or late summer for fast, tender growth. Succession sow every 2–3 weeks. |
| Subtropical | March–May, August–September | Grow in the cooler months. Light shade helps quality if warm weather lingers. |
| Tropical | Not recommended | Cool-season crop; quality declines in heat and humidity. |
| Cool | February–April, August–September | Protect young seedlings from frost. Choose a sunny, sheltered spot. |
| Arid | March–May | Sow during cooler periods. Mulch well and water consistently to prevent stress. |
Companion Planting
Broccoli ‘Raab Rapini’ benefits greatly from companion plants that boost growth, deter pests naturally, and improve overall garden health. Strategic planting creates a supportive ecosystem, maximising crop performance and flavour.
- Sage: An aromatic herb that repels cabbage moths, aphids and flea beetles. Sage’s scent masks broccoli, reducing pest attraction while encouraging beneficial insects and pollinators to the garden.
- Nasturtium: Acts as a trap crop, drawing aphids and whiteflies away from broccoli. Its low-growing habit shades soil, conserves moisture, and improves soil structure through natural nutrient cycling.
- Additional Companions: Chamomile, dill, onions, celery and marigold support pest control, enhance pollination and promote healthy, vigorous growth when planted alongside broccoli.
Using sage and nasturtium together with Broccoli ‘Raab Rapini’ creates a productive, low-maintenance planting system. This combination improves soil fertility, reduces pest damage, and fosters steady, healthy development throughout the growing season, resulting in larger, more robust heads and a reliable harvest.