Broccoli Seeds, Rapini

Nutritious and Flavorful Greens for Mediterranean-Inspired Dishes
Rapini, also known as Broccoli Rabe, is a leafy green vegetable that is closely related to traditional broccoli but with a more intense, slightly bitter flavor. Popular in Mediterranean and Italian cuisine, Rapini is prized for its tender stems, leafy greens, and small florets. This fast-growing vegetable is perfect for gardeners looking for a nutritious, easy-to-grow green to complement a variety of dishes.

Key Benefits

• Quick Maturing: Rapini is fast-growing and can be harvested in as little as 50-60 days, providing an early, nutritious crop.
• Flavorful and Nutritious: With its bold, slightly bitter flavor, Rapini is packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.
• Versatile Use: Ideal for stir-fry, sautéing, steaming, or adding to pasta, soups, and salads. Its flavor pairs wonderfully with garlic, olive oil, and lemon.
• Cold-Tolerant: Rapini thrives in cool weather, making it a great choice for spring or fall planting in areas with mild winters or early spring frosts.
• High Yield: Rapini produces an abundant harvest, with multiple harvests available from each plant when the young leaves and florets are picked.

Planting Instructions

Planting Season

• Spring or Fall: Plant Rapini in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest, as it thrives in cooler temperatures (between 50-70°F / 10-21°C).
• Succession Planting: For continuous harvests, sow seeds every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.

Planting Details

• Depth: Sow seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep in well-drained, fertile soil.
• Spacing: Space seeds 6-8 inches apart in rows or beds to allow for proper growth and airflow.
• Light: Rapini prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates.

Watering and Care

• Water Needs: Keep the soil consistently moist, particularly during the germination period and early growth stages. Water deeply to ensure healthy root development.
• Fertilizer: Apply organic compost or a balanced fertilizer before planting to provide rich, fertile soil that supports rapid growth.
• Weeding: Be sure to remove weeds regularly, as they compete with Rapini for nutrients and space.
• Mulching: Mulch around the base of the plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

Harvesting

• When to Harvest: Harvest Rapini when the plants are around 12-18 inches tall, and the florets are small but beginning to open.
• How to Harvest: Use scissors or garden shears to cut the leaves and florets. You can harvest leaves from the outside of the plant while the inner leaves continue to grow.
• Multiple Harvests: After the first harvest, you can expect additional leaves to sprout, allowing for multiple harvests per plant throughout the season.

Perfect For

• Mediterranean and Italian Dishes: Rapini is commonly used in traditional Mediterranean dishes, such as pasta, soups, and stir-fries. Its slightly bitter flavor pairs well with garlic, chili flakes, and olive oil.
• Cool-Weather Gardens: Ideal for cool-season gardening, Rapini thrives in early spring or fall plantings.
• Nutrient-Dense Greens: Packed with vitamins and minerals, Rapini is perfect for adding a healthy, flavorful green to your diet.
• Small Garden Spaces: Due to its compact size, Rapini is well-suited for small garden beds or containers.

Coverage

• Packet: Covers up to 30 square feet, providing enough seeds for a generous crop of Rapini.

Grow Healthy, Flavorful Greens with Rapini

Whether you're looking for a nutritious addition to your meals or a fast-growing green for your garden, Rapini is a perfect choice. Its bold flavor and quick growth make it a favorite for Mediterranean cooking and cool-season gardens.

Order your Rapini seeds today and enjoy an abundant, nutritious harvest!