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When to Plant Broccoli Raab in Oak Ridge, North Carolina (27310)

Location

Oak Ridge, North Carolina

ZIP Code

27310

USDA Zone

8a

Last Frost

Friday, March 20, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Direct Sow Outdoors

Friday, February 6, 2026

Based on last frost Friday, March 20, 2026 · Zone 8a

Pro tip: Sow Broccoli Raab directly outdoors 6 weeks before your last frost date.

🌿 Plant Details

Scientific Name Brassica rapa subsp. rapa
Days to Maturity 60 days
Mature Height 12-24"
Spread 8"

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Full Sun (6-8 hours)

💧

Water

Regular (1-2 inches/week)

↔️

Spacing

6" apart

🌱

Planting Depth

0.5" deep

Seeds typically germinate in 4-7 days

Ready to Plant Broccoli Raab in Oak Ridge?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Friday, February 6, 2026.

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🤝 Good Companions

OnionBeetCelery

⚠️ Avoid Planting Near

TomatoPepperStrawberry
🤝

Full Companion Planting Guide for Broccoli Raab

See which plants help Broccoli Raab thrive, which to keep away, and raised bed layout tips →

🛠️ Supplies You'll Need

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🌾 Seed Saving Guide

🟡 Moderate
✅ Open-pollinated — seeds grow true to parent

When to Harvest Seed

Allow plants to flower fully and seed pods to turn tan and dry.

Processing

Thresh dried stalks, winnow to separate seeds from pod fragments.

Seed Viability

Up to 4 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.

Pro Tip

Brassica rapa — crosses with turnip, bok choy, and napa cabbage. Isolate by 300 feet.

🪴

Raised Bed Planting Guides

A 4×8 bed fits 4 per sq ft of Broccoli Raab. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Broccoli Raab in Oak Ridge, North Carolina? +

In Oak Ridge (Zone 8a), direct sow Broccoli Raab outdoors around Friday, February 6, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Oak Ridge, North Carolina? +

The average last spring frost date for Oak Ridge, North Carolina (ZIP 27310) is around Friday, March 20, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 8a.

How long does Broccoli Raab take to grow? +

Broccoli Raab typically matures in about 60 days from direct sowing. In Oak Ridge, that means you can expect harvest around Friday, February 6, 2026 plus 60 days.

Should I start Broccoli Raab indoors or direct sow in North Carolina? +

Broccoli Raab does best when direct sown outdoors. In Oak Ridge, sow directly around Friday, February 6, 2026.

Other Plants for Oak Ridge

Growing Broccoli Raab in Zone 8a

Broccoli Raab (Brassica rapa subsp. rapa) is a popular garden vegetable. In Oak Ridge, North Carolina, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a, you should direct sow seeds around Friday, February 6, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Friday, March 20, 2026. Broccoli Raab grows well when direct sown, as it doesn't transplant well or germinates quickly outdoors.