Climate matters. This page is a practical baseline. Confirm cultivar, local frost/heat conditions, mature size and regional restrictions before planting.
Rapeseed — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Brassica rapa |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 3–8 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 7.2–26.7 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 45–80 |
| Measured from | Seed |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 2.5–7.6 |
| Mature height (cm) | 45.7–106.7 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 15.2–30.5 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 4–9 |
| Light | Full sun |
| Water | Moderate |
| Sowing method | Direct sow |
Growing directions
Broadcast at about 0.25-0.5 lb per 1,000 sq ft and rake to cover 0.25 inch deep in a moist seedbed. This fast-growing brassica establishes quickly, forming a fibrous root mat that takes up excess nitrogen and reduces leaching over winter. It is less cold hardy than oilseed rape and often winterkills in colder regions, providing free termination. Where it survives, mow at early flowering and incorporate the residue two to three weeks before planting. The rapid canopy closure also smothers fall-germinating weeds.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
OpenPlantDB · rapeseed-brassica-cover
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0