Rapeseed
Brassica napus · Brassicaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant rapeseed: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- Spring (April-May)
- Adult size
- 80 cm to 1.50 m in height
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Very hardy, down to -15°C
- Origin
- Ancient hybridization between Brassica rapa and Brassica oleracea
- Soil type
- Well-drained, fertile, neutral to slightly alkaline pH
- Cycle
- Annual or biennial depending on variety
Care
Exposure
Rapeseed thrives in full sun, with a minimum of 6 to 8 hours of direct light per day. A well-sunny exposure promotes flowering and seed production. It tolerates windy areas, which even favor good plant growth.
Soil and preparation
Prepare rich, well-drained soil with a slightly alkaline or neutral pH. Incorporate compost or well-decomposed manure before planting. Avoid overly compact or waterlogged soils, which cause root rot. A pH between 6.0 and 7.5 is ideal.
Watering
Keep the soil regularly moist during active growth, especially in dry periods. Gradually reduce watering as flowering and maturation approach. Water at the base to avoid excessive foliage moisture.
Fertilizing
Apply a balanced fertilizer (NPK 10-10-10) at sowing or planting time. During active growth phase, a nitrogen application can stimulate foliage development. Reduce nitrogen at the end of the cycle to promote seed production.
Pruning and harvest
Rapeseed requires little pruning as a herbaceous plant. Remove diseased or damaged leaves to prevent disease. At maturity, cut or harvest the stems when the siliques (pods) turn brown and dry.
Pests and diseases
Watch for flea beetles, small beetles that pierce leaves. Downy mildew and sclerotinia can affect humid crops. Practice crop rotation and remove plant debris to reduce pest pressure.
Did you know?
Rapeseed is the primary source of canola oil, which became essential in cooking and industry during the 20th century. The name "canola" comes from Canada, where plant breeders created a variety with low erucic acid and glucosinolate content in the 1970s. Today, rapeseed is a major global crop, cultivated on more than 30 million hectares and actively participating in the energy transition as a source of biofuels.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- CransonArmoracia rusticana
- Sea kaleCrambe maritima
- Mountain AlyssumAlyssum montanum
- Wall rock cressArabis caucasica
- Rocket SaladEruca sativa
- WasabiEutrema japonicum
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.