About
Brassica napus is a wild hybrid originating from the crossing of cabbage and turnip, serving as the parent for both swede and oilseed rape. This biennial plant features silvery-green foliage and produces vivid yellow flowers that attract a variety of pollinators, particularly bees.
About the genus
Brassicas encompass annual, biennial, and perennial varieties, typically characterized by their upright growth habit, alternate leaves that are often glaucous, and prominent taproots. The flowers are arranged in clusters and take on a cross shape, usually appearing in yellow or white. This genus includes several species cultivated for food production, including cabbages, turnips, mustards, and oilseed rape, alongside those that are valued for ornamental purposes.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral, Acid
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial
- Habit
- Columnar upright, Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 1-2 years
- Suggested uses
- Wildlife gardens
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in full sun in firm, fertile soil - including coastal regions
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free