Cultivation

Rapeseed sowing date

Brassica napus L.

Determining the optimal sowing time for rapeseed is based on reaching a specific development stage of winter forms by the beginning of winter and the biological resistance of spring forms to low temperatures during the early sowing period.

In the reference 65 varieties crop Rapeseed, where this is mentioned in the description.

For winter rapeseed, it is critical to enter winter in the rosette stage with 6–8 leaves and a root collar diameter of 8–10 mm. If sown too early, plants become overgrown, which raises the growing point and makes them vulnerable to frost; if sown too late, plants do not have enough time to accumulate sugars and form a strong root system for successful overwintering.

Spring rapeseed is sown when the soil warms up to +3…+5 °C. The crop is characterized by high cold tolerance; however, delaying the sowing date when warm weather arrives promotes pest development and leads to soil moisture deficiency. When sowing both forms, it is essential to have moisture in the topsoil to ensure uniform emergence.

General information about the subject — on the page Sowing date.

Sources8

Varieties of Rapeseed mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.