Vegetable · Brassicaceae family
broccoli rabe (rapini)
Brassica rapa (Ruvo Group)
In short a 10-second read
Broccoli rabe (rapini) (vegetable) grows to 0.15–0.3 m tall and 0.1–0.3 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun to part shade, in average to moist soil. Sow in April–August. Harvest in June–October.
× spread 0.1–0.3 m
Where to plant
Sun and soil.
It grows best in full sun to part shade, in average to moist soil.
Sun
Tolerates several positions — choose to suit the rest of the garden.
Soil and water
average to moist · watering: moderate
Soil: clay, loamy, humus-rich
Soil pH 6–8
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Sowing
direct sowing: April–August
Harvest
June–October
Winter protection
does not overwinter
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When do I sow broccoli rabe (rapini)?
In April–August (direct sowing).
When is broccoli rabe (rapini) harvested?
In June–October.
Does broccoli rabe (rapini) tolerate shade?
It tolerates part shade (3–6 hours of sun), but not full shade.
How much space does broccoli rabe (rapini) need?
At maturity 0.1–0.3 m wide and 0.15–0.3 m tall; recommended spacing 15 cm.
Where the data comes from
The data is indicative — we are still comparing it with further sources. Last checked 18 October 2026.
Show sources (10)
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — Brassica rapa Ruvo Group
- Sativa Rheinau/Sativa Biosaatgut — Cima di Rapa
- Samen Maier (AT) — BIO Stängelkohl Cima di Rapa
- Grow Italian — How to Grow Cima di Rapa
- Wikidata (CC0) — Brassica rapa subsp. sylvestris
- GBIF species/match — Brassica rapa: ACCEPTED SPECIES
- Přírodní zahrady Trejbal (CZ) — BIO Vodnice listová Cima di Rapa od Sativa
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: EU, Slovakia, EASIN
