Italian Broccoli Brassica rapa (Ruvo Group)

The Ruvo Group includes Broccoli Raab, Rapini, Broccoletti, and Broccoletti di Rape and are in the mustard family. The plants resemble broccoli, but the edible buds are in small clusters rather than one large one. Also, the leaves are more like turnip greens and the flavor is more pungent. This vegetable has a zesty, slightly bitter taste that is often utilized in Italian and Asian dishes.  It can be steamed, broiled, fried and sautéed.  

The genus name Brassica is Latin for cabbage.  

These are cool-season plants and can be planted for a spring or fall crop. Seeds can be planted in early spring and harvested for greens or allowed to mature. For mature plants, harvest just before the flower buds begin to open. For a fall crop, plant seeds mid to late summer. Row covers may help decrease insect damage. 

Plant in fertile moist well-drained soils in full sun to light shade. Keep seedlings evenly moist and continue to water during dry spells. There are several companion plants including tomatoes, onion lettuce, spinach, carrots, beets, and cucumbers.  Avoid planting next to pole beans or snap peas.  Avoid following this plant with other members of the cabbage family when rotating crops.

Keeping your vegetable garden weed free or at a minimum is important, as weeds will compete with the vegetables for available nutrients and water.  

Problems, Pests and Diseases: Aphids, whiteflies, flea beetles, and caterpillars such as cabbage loopers, cutworms, and beet army worms. Slugs and snails may also be a problem. Diseases include club root, white rust, leaf spot, and rots such as damping off and bacterial soft rot.

If not contained, it has been known to become weedy.