How to Grow Rapini Sessantina

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Rapini Sessantina

Brassica rapa subsp. rapa var. lacinosa

vegetable

Rapini Sessantina is a fast-maturing Italian heirloom variety of broccoli rabe known for its tender, deeply lobed leaves and small flowering heads. This cool-season brassica produces abundant leafy shoots with minimal bitterness, making it ideal for quick spring and fall harvests. Its 60-day maturity and prolific side-shoot production make it a favorite among gardeners seeking continuous yields.

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Example Rapini Sessantina timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Rapini Sessantina
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Rapini Sessantina
Around Jun 11

≈ 55 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Rapini Sessantina dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6+ hours daily (tolerates partial shade in hot climates)

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Water: Consistent moisture; 1-1.5 inches per week. Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Water at soil level to avoid foliar disease.

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Spacing: 12 inches

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Days to maturity: 55-65 days

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Planting depth: 0.5 inches

Soil

Type: Well-draining, fertile loamy soil rich in organic matter

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Compost Aged manure Balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) Lime if pH is below 6.0

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 3-9; prefers cooler seasons (spring and fall)

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b

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Growth Stages

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Cotyledons emerge with first true leaves appearing within 7-10 days. Seedlings are tender and light green.

Thin to proper spacing once true leaves appear. Maintain consistent moisture. Avoid damping off by ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overwatering.

Vegetative Growth

3-4 weeks

Plant develops deeply lobed leaves on upright stems. Foliage becomes dense and dark green. Root system strengthens.

Apply balanced fertilizer at 3-4 weeks. Maintain consistent watering. Mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Flowering Head Formation

2-3 weeks

Small flower buds cluster at the top of the main stem, resembling miniature broccoli heads. Side shoots begin developing from leaf axils.

Increase nitrogen slightly to support foliage and bud development. Continue regular watering. Monitor for pests actively.

Harvest-Ready

2-4 weeks

Central head reaches 2-4 inches with tightly clustered buds. Side shoots emerge abundantly with their own small heads and tender leaves.

Begin harvesting when heads are firm and buds are tight. Harvesting side shoots encourages more branching and extended production.

Bolt (Late Season)

Variable

If temperatures warm significantly or days lengthen, flowers open into yellow blooms. Plant becomes bitter and less tender.

Harvest immediately if bolting occurs. Plant can be pulled if no longer productive. In cool climates, may continue producing for several weeks.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Beets Carrots Garlic Lettuce Onions Spinach Thyme Chamomile Borage

Avoid planting near:

Fennel Dill Cabbage Cauliflower Kale Other brassicas (prone to same pests and diseases)

Common Pests

Use row covers during seedling stage. Apply neem oil or spinosad. Dust with diatomaceous earth. Intercrop with aromatic herbs.
Handpick caterpillars. Apply Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) every 5-7 days. Use row covers. Encourage parasitic wasps with flowering herbs.
Row covers for young plants. Handpick eggs and larvae. Apply Bt spray. Light traps in evening.
Spray strong water stream to dislodge. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil. Introduce ladybugs or lacewings.
Yellow sticky traps. Spray neem oil or horticultural oil. Improve air circulation.
Handpick adults and egg clusters. Row covers. Reflective mulch. Remove plant debris.

Uses

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Sautéed Rapini

Culinary

The tender leaves, stems, and flower buds are commonly sautéed with garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes in Italian and Asian cuisines. The quick-cooking nature makes it perfect for weeknight meals. [source]

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Pasta and Grain Dishes

Culinary

Rapini's slightly bitter, nutty flavor complements pasta dishes, risotto, and grain bowls. Its tender texture requires only brief cooking to maintain palatability. [source]

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Glucosinolate-Rich Cruciferous Vegetable

Medicinal

As a brassica, Rapini contains glucosinolates and indoles that break down into compounds with potential cancer-preventive properties. It is rich in vitamins K, C, and A, and minerals like calcium and iron. [source]

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Fresh Market and Storage

Household

Rapini Sessantina's 60-day maturity makes it practical for succession planting in spring and fall. Harvested heads store in refrigeration for up to one week, ideal for fresh market sales or CSA boxes. [source]

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Pollinator and Beneficial Insect Support

Wildlife

If allowed to flower, Rapini's small yellow blooms attract bees and beneficial insects. The foliage also supports predatory beetles and lacewings 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

Harvest the central head when buds are tight and still green, typically 55-65 days from planting. Cut 2-3 inches below the head with a sharp knife. This stimulates prolific side-shoot production. Continue harvesting side shoots for 2-4 weeks as they reach 4-6 inches long. Harvest in early morning for best tenderness and flavor. Pick regularly to prevent flowering and maintain quality. Once true flowering occurs with open yellow blooms, quality diminishes rapidly.

Fun Facts

🌱 Rapini Sessantina is named for its remarkably fast 60-day maturity, making it one of the quickest-maturing brassicas. Italian seed catalogs introduced this variety to emphasize speed and reliability for market growers.
🌱 Unlike large broccoli heads, Rapini produces dozens of side shoots after the central head is harvested, extending the productive season and increasing total yield from a single plant.
🌱 Rapini's bitter compounds (glucosinolates) become less pronounced when plants are harvested young and quickly cooked, and virtually disappear if you blanch the shoots briefly before cooking.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Bolt Damping Off Full Sun Heirloom Mulch Partial Shade True Leaves

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