(Brassica rapa) Prized in its homeland of Italy and by chefs worldwide, this broccoli relative is a culinary treat. Rather than a central crown ala broccoli, Cima di Rapa (aka rapini or broccoli raab) sends forth more graceful, smaller, and looser bud clusters. Plants branch extensively after the first harvest to yield loads of secondary bud stems. In the kitchen, lightly sauteed leaves, stems, and flower buds are a delight with lemon, a sprinkle of salt and pepper, and a drizzle of good olive oil. They are richer, wilder, and more pungent in flavor than broccoli and much earlier from sowing to harvest. Novantina boasts good floret size, excellent branching, and productivity, while showcasing a first-rate flavor and milder, less assertive pungency than some varieties. Re-sprouts from early cuttings. Best sown in Spring and Fall. Italian cultivar. 24-30" tall.
40-45 days. AV

Packet: 1g (~450 seeds)

*This seed has tested negative for both Black Leg (Phoma lingam) and Black Rot (Xanthomonas campestris) as required by the WA Dept of Ag crucifer seed quarantine.

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Growing Info

SOWING:

Indoors, 4-6 weeks before your last frost date.

Transplant out 2-4 weeks before last mild frost.

Direct sow mid Spring-mid summer. Best results from mid summer sowing for fall harvests

Note: Prefers well drained soil with high organic matter and consistent water.

PLANTING DEPTH:

1/4-1/2""

SPACING:

4-6" spacing in rows 12-18" apart.

EMERGENCE:

3-10 days @ soil temp 60-65F

LIGHT:

Full sun to part shade

FERTILITY:

Medium-Heavy. Prefers well-drained, fertile, moist, soil with a pH between 6.0-7.5.

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

Rapini has a small central head, side shoots, leaves, and flowers which are all delicious to eat. Harvest the main head to be rewarded with side shoots galore!

Protect from flea beetles with floating row cover.

Consistent water is essential.

Cima di Rapa, 'Novantina'