How to Grow Cime di Rapa
Brassica rapa subsp. sylvestris
Hardy Cool Season Continuous Harvest
Cime di rapa is a fast-growing Italian leafy vegetable harvested for its tender shoots and flower buds. Direct sow in autumn or early spring into fertile, moist soil. Thin seedlings to 25 cm apart and keep well watered. Harvest young shoots and unopened flower buds before they fully open — the bitterness mellows with cooking. Successive sowings extend the season from autumn through spring in mild climates.
When to Start
Direct sow outdoors as soon as soil reaches 5°C — typically early to mid spring. Hardy enough to tolerate light frosts.
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Growth Stages
Sow seeds
Day 0 Germination
~7 days Flowering
~45 days Harvest
~60 days Seed to harvest ~60 days
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- Cime di rapa bolts quickly in heat. Sow in succession from late summer through early spring for a continuous harvest. The bitterness is a feature, not a flaw; it mellows with blanching or slow cooking.
- Harvest young shoots and flower buds when buds are tight and green, before any yellow petals show. Cut stems 10-15 cm long. Regular harvesting encourages new side shoots.
Growing Conditions
- Germination temperature
- 7–20°C
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- Direct sow
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Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 25 cm |
| Row spacing | 30 cm |
| Sow depth | 1 cm |
| Mature height | 50 cm |
| Mature spread | 30 cm |
Growing Conditions
| Germination temperature | 7–20°C |
| Base growth temperature | 5°C |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant Cime di Rapa?
- Plant Cime di Rapa 25cm apart with 30cm between rows.
- Is Cime di Rapa frost hardy?
- Cime di Rapa is classified as Hardy.
