Called Broccoli Raab or Rapini in this country, this is actually a non-heading broccoli. The top 6-8 or so of leaves and unopened flowers are usually harvested. The Di Rapa Novantina Broccoli makes a good Fall or early Spring crop. No resemblance to the mild broccoli flavor you may be used to, this green is quite pungent. Never served raw but is steamed for about 5 minutes and used in a recipe or eaten alone.

100 seeds

PLANTING

Brassicaoleracea

Germination:3-10 days

Germination Temperature:Optimum soil temperatures 65-85F.

Seed Sowing Depth:1/4 deep

StartingIndoors:4-6 weeks before the last frost.Sow 2-3 seeds per cell/pot.Thin to the strongest seedling.Fertilize the seedlings every 7-10 days with a liquid or water-soluble fertilizer, diluted to of the suggested measurement. Transplant a week or two before the last frost. Space 12-18″ apart.Sowin early to mid-summer for fall crops.

Sowing Outdoors:Spring when soil temperature reaches at least 55F. Sow 2-3 seeds every 12-18 apart. Thin to the strongest seedling per space. Sowin midsummer for fall crops. Germination is slower at lower soil temperatures.

Tips: Provide Di Rapa Novantina Broccoli with fertile soil,rich in organic matterfrom the very beginning of its growthin the garden.Giveadequate, even moisture for the best growth.Mulching helps retain moisture.