Rapeseed

SEEDING / GROWTH:

 

 

Dates: 4-6 weeks before average first frost date

 

Rates:

         Precision:   Not recommended

           Drilled:           2-5 lb/A  (1/4"-1/2" deep)

         Broadcast:   2.2-5.5 lb/A

          Aerial:             2.4-6 lb/A

 

Average seeds/lb: 157,000

Inoculate: No

Emergence: 4-10 days

Height: 3'-5'

 

Drought & Heat:  Good drought tolerance

                                      Low heat tolerance

 

Flooding:   Does not tolerate flooding or ponding

PROS:

• Very rapid growth (Good for short growing windows)

• Bio-fumigates

• N Scavenger

• Loosens topsoil

 

 

 

CONS:

 

• Attracts flea beetles

• Moderate potential to become a weed

COOL Season - Brassica

A member of the Brassica family, Rapeseed is an upright cool season or winter annual broad-leaf that grows 3 to 5 feet tall, has narrow leaves, yellow flowers, and a deep fibrous root system.  Rapeseed/Canola is a quick-growing Nitrogen scavenger which is good at controlling erosion, choking out weeds, and improving water infiltration by loosening the topsoil.  It has bio-fumigant properties and will usually winter kill.  Rapeseeds yellow flowers attract many beneficial insects, such as hoverflies.  Hoverfly larvae are known to prey on aphids.  Rape produces glucosinolates, which bio-fumigates the soil during decomposition proving to be toxic to many soil pathogens and pests.