Rapeseed seeds

Rapeseed, also known as oilseed rape / Brassica napus - this is an annual winter or spring plant of the genus Brassica of the cruciferous family. Not found in the wild. Known in culture for 4 thousand years BC. e. It appeared in Ukraine in the 19th century, originating from crossing winter or spring rapeseed (B. campestris) with cabbage (B. oleracea). The stem is 50-150 cm high.

The entire plant is covered with a waxy coating. The rosette leaves are lyre-pinnately cut, have very sparse pubescence; stem leaves - from lyre-shaped (lower) to elongated-lanceolate (upper). The inflorescence is a raceme. The flowers are small, yellow, rarely white. The pods are long (5-10 cm), narrow (3-4 mm). The seeds contain fat from 33-50%.

Rapeseed oil is used to make margarine in the metallurgical, soap, leather and textile industries. The cake contains about 32% protein, 9% fat, and 30% nitrogen-free extractives. Rapeseed is a valuable concentrated feed for livestock. When sown in autumn, it is a good early spring honey plant.

The best soils for growing rapeseed are deep, structural loamy and clayey soils with a large supply of nutrients and permeable subsoil.