How to Grow:
Unlike true broccoli, broccoli raab (aka rapini) can be direct-seeded in the garden as soon as the soil is workable in spring, or in late summer for fall harvest. Give your plants full sun, and well-draining soil amended with compost, ideally with a pH of 6 to 7. Sow seeds ½-inch deep and 2 to 4 inches apart in rows 18 to 24 inches apart, then thin seedlings to 6 inches apart once they’ve developed their first true leaves (and eat the thinnings in salads – they’re tasty!) Plants will reach maturity at about 55 days from seeding. Make sure to harvest shoots before the flower buds begin to open.
Saving Seeds:
Broccoli Raab, Brassica rapa
Plants of the species Brassica rapa, including mustard greens, broccoli raab, many asian greens, and turnips, are insect-pollinated biennials. They typically need to be separated from other Brassica rapa varieties by one-half mile to prevent crossing and ensure pure seed. Like all biennials, they require a cold period (called vernalization) followed by warmer weather to trigger flowering. The vernalization period of most B. rapa plants tends to be short, so plants of this type will typically go to seed in the same year when planted early in spring. Their flower stalks can get very tall and may need staking as they grow. Harvest the seeds by cutting whole flower stalks once two-thirds of the seed pods have started to turn brown. Bring the plants inside to finish drying, preferably by hanging over tarps or inside paper bags to catch seeds as the pods ripen and open up. Once the stalks are dry, finish separating the seeds from the pods by crushing the stalks on top of a tarp or hitting the stalks against the inside of a clean trash can. Then winnow the chaff out by pouring seed and chaff from one container to another in front of a box fan running at low speed. Store your clean B. rapa seeds in a sealed container in a dark, dry and cool location.
Based in Asheville, NC, Sow True Seed has a small, dedicated staff of dirt worshippers committed to providing high quality, open-pollinated seeds in support of sustainable food production and regenerative agriculture. Founded in 2008 by lifelong gardener and food activist Carol Koury, Sow True Seed was created to preserve our shared botanical heritage and grow a new era of ecological wisdom.
Sow True Seed supports independent, regional agricultural initiatives that foster a vibrant, sustainable economy, and true food sovereignty. They are committed to growing our awareness and actions to honor the heritage of their seeds, the diverse people and places that have contributed to our collective abundance.
Based in the glorious mountains of Western North Carolina – home to a temperate rainforest and one of the most biologically diverse areas of North America – Sow True prides themselves on working with farmers in the region who ensure the survival of heirloom varieties that would otherwise become extinct.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) requires that seed germination rates be tested at least once a year. A “sell by date” is also required on seed packets and cannot date more than a year from the last passing germination test. Sow True Seed tests the germination rates of all seed varieties twice a year via the North Carolina Department of Agriculture to ensure passing germination rates. The sell by date is not a “use by” date; most seed varieties, stored properly, can last up to three years. Sow True Seed stores all seed varieties in a climate controlled facility that averages 50° F and 50% humidity, which are ideal seed storing conditions. For the home gardener the best way to store seeds is in the refrigerator, in a zip top bag or Mason jar, with silica packets to absorb any moisture. We do not recommend storing seeds in the freezer.
We deliver to the Greater Charlotte, NC area.
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