How to Grow Broccoli Raab

This weekend I did it. I chose the “I’ve never planted this veggie, so let’s give it a try” item for my vegetable garden. The honor this year goes to broccoli raab. But first, a story.

About eight years ago I traveled with a group of friends to the Little Italy section of the Bronx. “We have to eat at Arthur’s,” one of my traveling companions said. “The food is amazing.”

And as she predicted, the food was simple and delicious. One of the items brought to our table (the wait staff kinda/sorta determine what to serve you as there are no menus) was broccoli raab. I had heard this veg could be quite bitter, but I was assured by my friend that “real Italians” know how to cook it properly. She was right. It was simply amazing.

Although “broccoli” is part of the name, it’s not much like broccoli at all, and is grown for the leaves and stems, not the florets. It grows vertically, more like celery, and has tiny clusters of buds at the top. Because of this growth habit, broccoli raab is a compact plant well-suited for a small garden.

I’m not “real Italian” by any means or mistakes, and my subsequent cooking of broccoli raab was not great. But, as I scanned the benches in the garden center this weekend and spotted young plants of this increasingly popular cole crop, I decided this would be the year to tame this bitter fellow.

When to plant broccoli raab

Broccoli raab is more of a cool-weather vegetable, so grow it for a spring/early-summer harvest as well as in fall. Plant young plants into the garden when the soil temperature is above 55-60F.

Growing broccoli raab

Broccoli raab is a “greens” item, like chard and kale, and as such enjoys plenty of nitrogen. When planting, add a good helping of compost to give it a great, nutrient-filled send-off into the season. Plants should be about 4-6 inches apart from one another. Another key to growing broccoli raab is water, water, water. Water it consistently to keep moisture levels even.

Pests for broccoli raab will be the typical pests you see on other members of the cabbage family. I expect to see flea beetles, cabbage worms, mealy bugs. Ugh. I’ll make a big batch of insecticidal soap in a spray bottle and try to keep up. There will be damage, can’t escape it.

When to Harvest Broccoli Raab

My research into broccoli raab indicates it will be ready for harvest in about 45-60 days. The “I’m ready!” indicators are it hitting a height of about 10 inches and it producing a tight cluster of buds at the top. I’ll do as I do with leaf lettuces, kale, and chard—I’ll harvest just a portion (likely the budded stems) and leave the rest to keep producing. If I can find seeds I will sow some broccoli raab in late August and see what kind of success I have with a direct-sow technique.

I’m looking forward to the opportunity to conquer broccoli raab’s bitterness. Cooking with homegrown broccoli raab will make the victory all the more sweet.