How to Grow Raab Rosso
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Raab Rosso
Brassica rapa subsp. rapa
vegetableRaab Rosso is a red Italian turnip green with a distinctive deep burgundy color and tender, slightly sweet leaves. It's a cool-season brassica that produces both edible greens and small root bulbs. This heirloom variety is prized in Mediterranean cuisine for its unique flavor and nutritional density.
When should you plant Raab Rosso in your zone?
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Example Raab Rosso timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Raab Rosso
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Raab Rosso
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Raab Rosso dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-9; best as a spring or fall crop in zones 8-9
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Get my Raab Rosso timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
7-10 daysSmall red-tinged cotyledons emerge, followed by true leaves with purple-red coloration developing.
Keep soil moist; thin seedlings to proper spacing once true leaves appear. Protect from slugs and cutworms.
Vegetative Growth
15-25 daysRosette of deeply colored burgundy leaves develops; stems thicken slightly. Leaf color intensifies with cooler temperatures.
Maintain consistent moisture and cool temperatures. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Monitor for flea beetles and aphids.
Bulb Formation
10-15 daysSmall turnip-like swelling begins at soil line while leaf rosette continues expanding. Purple-red coloration strengthens in roots.
Reduce nitrogen to encourage root development. Maintain consistent moisture. Thin if crowded to allow bulb expansion.
Maturity
Variable; harvest-readyBulbs reach 1-2 inches diameter with fully developed leaves. Texture becomes tender and sweet, especially after light frost.
Can be harvested at any stage for tender greens or left to mature for larger roots. Cold temperatures enhance sweetness.
Harvest
Ongoing during harvest windowBoth greens and roots are ready for consumption. Leaves remain tender; roots have developed full flavor.
Harvest outer leaves first for continuous production, or pull entire plant. Store roots in cool conditions.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use row covers on young plants, apply neem oil, dust with diatomaceous earth, or spray with pyrethrin-based insecticides
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Spray with strong water jet, use insecticidal soap, apply neem oil, or introduce ladybugs and lacewings
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Hand-pick larvae, use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), or apply spinosad spray
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Remove by hand at dusk, create copper barriers, apply diatomaceous earth, or use beer traps
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Use row covers at planting, apply neem oil to soil, rotate crops, and remove infested plants promptly
Uses
Sautéed Greens & Braised Roots
CulinaryBoth the tender leaves and bulbs are edible and delicious. Leaves can be sautéed with garlic and olive oil as a side dish, while the small roots are braised, roasted, or added to soups and stews similar to turnips. [source]
Raw Salad & Microgreens
CulinaryYoung, tender leaves add a peppery bite and striking burgundy color to mixed green salads. Microgreens harvested at 10-15 days provide concentrated flavor and visual impact. [source]
Nutritional & Antioxidant Benefits
MedicinalRaab Rosso is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, calcium, and protective phytonutrients including sulforaphane and anthocyanins. Regular consumption supports immune function, bone health, and anti-inflammatory defense. [source]
Natural Dye Source
HouseholdThe deep purple-red leaves and roots can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics and crafts, producing burgundy to purple hues depending on mordant and extraction method. [source]
Pollinator & Beneficial Insect Support
WildlifeIf allowed to bolt, Raab Rosso produces small yellow flowers attractive to bees, butterflies, and parasitic wasps that control garden pests. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
For tender greens, harvest outer leaves once plant is 4-6 inches tall, leaving center to continue growing. For mature bulbs, pull entire plant when roots reach 1-2 inches diameter (or larger if preferred). Harvest in early morning for peak tenderness and flavor. Raab Rosso tastes sweetest after a light frost when sugars concentrate. Young microgreens can be cut 10-15 days after planting.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Raab Rosso is an Italian heirloom variety named for its distinctive deep burgundy-red color; 'rosso' means 'red' in Italian.
- 🌱 The color intensity deepens with cooler temperatures and light frost, making fall and spring crops often more vibrantly colored than summer plantings.
- 🌱 Both the leafy greens and the small turnip-like roots are edible, making it an unusually productive plant—you can harvest continuously from the same plant over several weeks.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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