Brassica rapa dichotoma

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Brassica rapa
Light:Full Sun Part Shade
Moisture:Mesic
Soil pH:5.6-8.4
Self Pollinated
Life Cycle:Biennial
Height:3'
Shelter
Edible Rating:PFAF Edibility RatingPFAF Edibility Rating
Tea:Yes
Poisonous

Brassica rapa dichotoma (common name: indian rape)

Propagation: Seed - sow in situ in the spring.

Cultivation: Succeeds in full sun in a well-drained fertile preferably alkaline soil[1]. Prefers a light sandy soil and dislikes a heavy soil[2]. Prefers cool moist growing conditions[3]. Succeeds in any reasonable soil. Tolerates a pH in the range 4.3 to 8.3.

Indian rape is cultivated mainly in India and Nepal for its oil-rich seeds.

Range: A cultivated form of B. rapa.

Habitat: Not known in the wild.

Edibility: Leaves - raw or cooked. A bit on the coarse side, though the young leaves can be added in moderation to salads whilst older leaves make an acceptable vegetable[K].

An edible oil is obtained from the seeds.

Pollinators: Bees

Habit: Biennial

Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.

Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.

Flower Type: Hermaphrodite

Links

References

  1. Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
  2. Thompson, Robert. The Gardener's Assistant. Blackie and Son, 1878.
  3. Simons, Arthur. New Vegetable Growers Handbook. Penguin, 1977.