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Rabe Brassica rapa (Ruvo Group)

Phonetic Spelling
BRAS-ih-ka RAY-puh
Description

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.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Spring Raab'
    More bolt-resistant, best for spring sowing.
  • 'Zamboni'
    Uniform plant with small leaves.
'Spring Raab', 'Zamboni'
Tags:
#edible plant#edible flowers#herbaceous#vegetable garden#vegetable#edible leaves#herbaceous annual#cool season vegetable#problem for horses#weed
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Spring Raab'
    More bolt-resistant, best for spring sowing.
  • 'Zamboni'
    Uniform plant with small leaves.
'Spring Raab', 'Zamboni'
Tags:
#edible plant#edible flowers#herbaceous#vegetable garden#vegetable#edible leaves#herbaceous annual#cool season vegetable#problem for horses#weed
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Brassica
    Species:
    rapa
    Family:
    Brassicaceae
    Uses (Ethnobotany):
    Edible plant.
    Life Cycle:
    Annual
    Biennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Europe
    Wildlife Value:
    Bees and butterflies are attracted to the flowers.
    Play Value:
    Attracts Pollinators
    Easy to Grow
    Edibility:
    Stems, leaves and buds are edible raw or cooked.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Annual
    Cool Season Vegetable
    Edible
    Vegetable
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
    Maintenance:
    High
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    High Organic Matter
    Loam (Silt)
    Soil pH:
    Alkaline (>8.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Fruit Type:
    Siliqua
    Fruit Length:
    > 3 inches
    Fruit Width:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Description:
    The fruit is in the form of a Siliqua and can contain up to 30 seeds.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Insignificant
    Raceme
    Umbel
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Edible
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Cross
    Flower Petals:
    4-5 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Small clusters of green flower buds should be picked before opening. They will open to a 4-petaled yellow flower.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Edible
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Pinnatifid
    Leaf Margin:
    Crenate
    Entire
    Sinuate
    Hairs Present:
    Yes
    Leaf Length:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Bright lime green leaves that arranged spirally, becoming a basal rosette during the vegetative state.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Meadow
    Small Space
    Landscape Theme:
    Butterfly Garden
    Edible Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Design Feature:
    Mass Planting
    Small groups
    Attracts:
    Bees
    Butterflies
    Pollinators
    Problems:
    Problem for Horses
    Weedy