Broccoli Raab/Cima di Rapa

[pye]

Does anyone grow broccoli raab? I bought a packet of the 40-day raab from the real seed co, seduced by the idea of growing a broccoli substitute quickly and in a smaller space.

I've got some started in modules, can just stick em in the ground when I pull my onions?

Also, I know they're not really a brassica, do I still need to keep the birds off the shoots? Are there any other pests I need to watch out for?

[pye]

[supersprout]

Yep, stick them in, treat as brassica for care and pests. Mesh and mulch? :)

[MrsKP]

i had a couple off of short rows then they bolted so i pulled them and haven't got round to starting again.

:'(

[Hot_Potato]

I grew mine in a big pot on the patio thinking they'd be ideal for me.....left them to get a little bit more than just overgrown seedlings and d*** it!...they bolted  ???

wont bother with them again but maybe I just didn't do things right  :-\

[flossie]

Hello Pye

I got some from there too.  They are still in the packet as it is so dry here.  Think that I may try them a little later in the year when it is cooler and there is less other veg about.  Will let you know how I get on.

[shirlthegirl43]

Hi folks,

I got some of these free with a magazine.  Planted them in a 10 litre pot on 20 June.  They look pretty good now - should be sampling them with Sunday dinner next weekend.  Will report back what they taste like.  They look like tiny brocolli sprouts just now so I hope they aren't going to bolt before they are big enough to scoff!!

happy gardening

[pye]

Did you try em shirl? How were they?

[Sarah-b]

Hi there,
I grew some in early spring last year. I only got one cut from them as they rapidly attracted flea beetle - although they were under fleece. The taste was nice. I think if you have the conditions (I should think, not hot, not dry, and no flea beetle), this would be something good to grow in small batches, sowing regularly. If you've got the wrong conditions, like me, I wouldn't bother...
SB

[SueSteve]

Hi,
I planted my Raab, its now looking lovely and green, about 10inches tall, with very small flower heads starting to appear in the centre.
I have never grown this before, and got the seed out of a seed parcel so....
what to I eat? The leaves, the flower heads?
Thanks,
Sue

[asbean]

I got the 60 day ones. But I turned my back and they bolted  :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(

[euronerd]

I sowed two separate lots at different times, in modules. Both bolted immediately. I've now chucked some straight in the ground and I don't care whether they bolt or not  ::)

Geoff.