Broccoli Rabe - Spring Rapini

Spring Rapini is a MIgardener-favorite broccoli rabe prized for its intense flavor and foolproof growth. The whole plant is edible, stem, leaves, and small florets alike, which makes it remarkably productive in small spaces. Cold tolerant and easy to grow where other broccoli falls short.

At a glance

• Variety: Spring Rapini (broccoli rabe)
• Type: Heirloom, open-pollinated, non-GMO
• Edible parts: Stem, leaves, and florets
• Season: Cool season, cold tolerant
• Overwintering: Possible with a hoop house or cold frame
• Sun: Full sun to partial shade

Best for

• Sauteed Italian-style greens
• Small-space, high-yield gardens
• Cool-season and overwinter growing
• Pasta and side dishes
• Whole-plant cooking

How to grow

Sow in cool weather in full sun to partial shade and keep soil moist. The plants are cold tolerant and can overwinter under a hoop house or cold frame. Harvest the whole plant, florets, leaves, and stems together, for maximum yield.

Flavor profile

Intense and pleasantly bitter. Soak briefly in saltwater, then saute quickly with white or red wine to mellow the bitterness.

About MIgardener

MIgardener is a Michigan-based family seed company offering affordable heirloom and non-GMO seeds, with a mission to make home gardening accessible to everyone.