Overview
Brassica napus subsp. oleifera is a bushy annual biennial in the genus Brassica, part of the Brassicaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Brassica napus subsp. oleifera grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include patio and container plants.
About
Brassica napus subsp. oleifera, commonly known as oilseed rape, is a bushy annual or biennial plant within the Brassica genus, which includes a variety of species cultivated for food and ornamental purposes. This evergreen plant thrives in full sun and prefers fertile, firm, well-drained alkaline soil, tolerating chalk, clay, loam, and sand. It is hardy in the UK (H5) and is suitable for south- or west-facing aspects in both exposed and sheltered locations. Oilseed rape is typically grown from seed and is of interest through spring, summer, and autumn, making it a versatile choice for patio and container planting.
About the genus
Brassica is a genus of plants in the cabbage and mustard family (Brassicaceae). The members of the genus are informally known as cruciferous vegetables, cabbages, mustard plants, or simply brassicas. Crops from this genus are sometimes called cole crops—derived from the Latin caulis, denoting the stem or stalk of a plant.
Wikipedia contributors, "Brassica", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Brassica
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Brassica
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Brassica napus subsp. oleifera size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Brassica napus subsp. oleifera
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to flea beetle which can prevent seedlings from thriving and attacked by caterpillars when eggs laid by butterflies, hatch and feed. It is very popular food for pigeons which only netting can prevent. It is also eaten by snails, although once plants are established, this damage isn't usually severe. The cabbage root fly can cause failure to thrive and a heavy infestation of mealy cabbage aphid can spoil the harvest
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to brassica downy mildew and brassica white blister. In areas where brassicas have been grown before, club root can build up in the soil
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Brassica napus subsp. oleifera?
Brassica napus subsp. oleifera prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Brassica napus subsp. oleifera need?
Brassica napus subsp. oleifera is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It prefers alkaline and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Brassica napus subsp. oleifera hardy in the UK?
Brassica napus subsp. oleifera has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Brassica napus subsp. oleifera?
Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds.
More in the Brassica genus
- Brassica napus 'Rnx5321'PBRRapeseed
- Brassica oleracea (Botrytis Group) 'Andes'cauliflower 'Andes'
- Brassica oleracea (Botrytis Group) 'Walcheren Winter 3 - Thanet'
- Brassica oleracea (Capitata Group) 'Myatt's Early Offenham'Wild Cabbage
