Oilseed rape (canola) Brassica napus
Oilseed rape (canola) (Brassica napus) is an annual herb in the Brassicaceae family, native to Cultivated hybrid, probably of the Mediterranean region. It grows 1–1.6 m (3.3–5.2 ft) tall and 30–50 cm (12–20 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -10 °C (14 °F). Space plants about 15 cm (6 in) apart.
Plan Oilseed rape (canola) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Oilseed rape (canola) at a glance
| Type | Annual herb |
|---|---|
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Mature height | 1–1.6 m (3.3–5.2 ft) |
| Mature spread | 30–50 cm (12–20 in) |
| Spacing | 15 cm (6 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -10 °C (14 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Flowering | about 11–16 weeks after planting, for 3–4 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 150 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: seed oil |
| Native to | Cultivated hybrid, probably of the Mediterranean region |
| Common in gardens of | 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇨🇳 China, 🇮🇳 India, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇵🇱 Poland |
Is Oilseed rape (canola) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Canola types are bred low in erucic acid; old rape varieties are high in it.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Oilseed rape (canola)
Good neighbours
- good With Rhubarb: Traditional lore says rhubarb planted near brassicas helps against clubroot and pests; the evidence is weak and not confirmed by trials. Evidence D
- good With Nasturtium: Nasturtiums act as a trap crop for cabbage white butterflies and blackfly, drawing some pressure away from brassicas. Evidence C
Questions about Oilseed rape (canola)
- How far apart should I plant Oilseed rape (canola)?
- About 15 cm (6 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–50 cm (12–20 in).
- Does Oilseed rape (canola) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Oilseed rape (canola) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Oilseed rape (canola)?
- It tolerates about -10 °C (14 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Oilseed rape (canola) flower?
- About 11–16 weeks after planting, for 3–4 weeks.
- Is Oilseed rape (canola) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Canola types are bred low in erucic acid; old rape varieties are high in it.
- What grows well with Oilseed rape (canola)?
- Traditional lore says rhubarb planted near brassicas helps against clubroot and pests; the evidence is weak and not confirmed by trials. Nasturtiums act as a trap crop for cabbage white butterflies and blackfly, drawing some pressure away from brassicas.
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- FAOSTAT crops and livestock products, FAO
- EcoCrop crop environmental requirements, FAO
- GRIN-Global Taxonomy, USDA ARS
Notes and assumptions
- Spring-sown values; winter rape is sown in autumn.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Broccoli Brassica oleracea var. italica
- Cauliflower Brassica oleracea var. botrytis
- Cabbage Brassica oleracea var. capitata
- Kale Brassica oleracea var. sabellica
- Radish Raphanus sativus
- Bok choy Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis
- Brussels sprout Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera
- Kohlrabi Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes