Brassica 'Cima di Rapa'
broccoli 'Cima di Rapa'
An annual mediterranean vegetable also known as 'Broccoli Rab' or 'Rapini' which can be translated as 'Turnip Greens'. It has long, serrated green leaves with edible florets hidden randomly amongst the foliage, similar to sprouting broccoli. Eaten when the heads are young, they taste like a cross between spinach and broccoli but also have a tangy, mustard-like taste more similar to a turni[. Easy to grow and requires little space, so good for pots and containers. If regular sowings are made, can be harvested from May through to October
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Brassicaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy, Clump forming
- Genus
Brassicas can be annual, biennial or perennial plants, most are upright with alternate, often glaucous leaves, long taproots and clusters of cross-shaped, yellow or white flowers. The genus includes a number of species bred to produce food crops, such as cabbages, turnips, mustards and oilseed rape, as well as others grown for their ornamental value
- Name status
Unresolved
How to grow
Cultivation
Sow seed in fertile, moisture-retentive soil in a sheltered, sunny location. Harvest when young, before the buds open. See broccoli cultivation for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Architectural
- Flower borders and beds
- Wall side borders
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to cabbage caterpillars, cabbage whitefly, aphids, flea beetles and slugs and snails
Diseases
May be susceptible to black rot, downy mildew, foot and root rot, grey mould, leaf spot and white blister
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