Sorrento (Raab) Broccoli

RAPINE- for fresh market

Approx. 7,200 plants per acre/.4047 ha; 3,000 plants per oz/28 g

DIRECT SEED: from early May until June 1st in the north or as late as the third week of June in central U.S.A.

CULTURE: We recommend that you make at least 2 or 3 sowings at 5 day intervals to allow for bolting to seed. Sow seed as thin as possible (4-5 seeds per ft/30 cm) in well prepared or roto-tilled soil, in rows 3 ft/91 cm apart 0.25 in/6 mm deep, cover and firm. Thin plants to 18-24 in/46-61 cm apart when plants are 3 weeks old. Control cabbage loopers with Sevin XLR and aphids with Malathion (top and bottom sides of the leaves) on a weekly basis. Organic growers can use carnivorous insects for aphid control. Cabbage loopers may be hard to control without chemicals. For use of an insecticide treatment contact your local government control agency for advice.

HARVEST: Tiny quarter sized blooms must be harvested each day, as they appear or plants will bolt to seed. Buds and stems must be cut before the yellow flower opens. Strip the course stem skins back to expose the tender inner stems.

Please Note: Rapine is related to Broccoli, It does not produce a central head and will bolt to seed quickly if the plant is subjected to unstable weather. Rapine is used for early spring and early summer crops, it is not recommended for fall crops.