Fioretto

Family: Brassicaceae Brassica

Fioretto broccolini arrives with a vivid, sweet-green allure—tender florets and crisp stems that feel silken yet snappy in the hand.

Expect a mild, broccoli-like flavor with a delicate, fresh bite that shines in quick skillet roasts, bright sautéed sides, and silky sauces. Garden to plate in about 55 days for a reliable harvest of slender spears that keep coming when you stay on top of picking.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 55 DaysHabit: Rosette

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 28th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Jun 19th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	55
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	45
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	32
Harden Off (days)	6

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Fioretto broccolini is built for speed: its slender stems stay crisp while the florets stay pleasantly tender, so you get that sweet-green snap without turning it bitter. Treat it like a quick-cooking “stir-and-char” green—high heat, minimal time, and finish with acid and fat for the best mouthfeel.

Best Uses

fast skillet roast until edges blister but stems stay snappy
hot sauté as a glossy side that won’t overcook to mush
tossed into silky sauces where the stems hold texture
light char under high heat for a clean, vegetal sweetness

Flavor Profile

mild broccoli sweetness fresh, green bite tender florets with crisp-silken stems

Kitchen Pairings

lemon olive oil parmesan sesame oil anchovy chili flakes

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease is most likely on Brassica oleracea var. italica (Fioretto/broccoli raab), and how can I treat it?

Watch for cabbage worms/loopers and flea beetles, which chew irregular holes in the leaves and can stunt growth quickly. Hand-pick caterpillars early and spray an insecticidal soap or Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) according to label directions for caterpillars; cover plants with row cover once established to prevent adult egg-laying. If you see yellowing with white fungal growth or leaf spots that spread in cool, humid weather, remove affected leaves and improve airflow; avoid overhead watering to reduce fungal pressure.

How often should I water Brassica oleracea var. italica during the main growing phase?

During active leaf/side-shoot growth, keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged—about 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) of water per week total from rainfall plus irrigation, adjusting to heat and rainfall. Water deeply when the top 1 inch (2–3 cm) of soil dries, and aim to wet the root zone rather than frequent shallow sprinkling. Mulch helps stabilize moisture, which matters because Brassica oleracea var. italica sulks or bolts when it repeatedly dries out.

How do I know when Fioretto (Brassica oleracea var. italica) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when side shoots are tender and the leaves are still crisp, typically around 45–60 days after sowing (about 55 days to maturity). Cut the main growth and first flush at the point where shoots are firm but not overly woody, usually before buds fully open. For best quality, harvest frequently as new shoots emerge after cutting, and stop when plants start to flower or develop tougher, stronger bitterness.