Brassica rapa oleifera
| Brassica rapa | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |  |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Self Pollinated | |
| Life Cycle: | Biennial |
| Height: | 3' |
| Shelter | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
 | |
Brassica rapa oleifera (common name: stubble turnip)
Propagation: Seed - sow in situ from March to July. A late July sowing produces a worthwhile bulk to dig in during October.
Cultivation: Succeeds in full sun in a well-drained fertile preferably alkaline soil[1]. Succeeds in any reasonable soil.
A fairly deep rooted plant, stubble turnip is mainly grown as a feed for farm animals though it is also suitable for human consumption, especially if eaten when small[2][K]. It is fast growing plant[2], a crop of young roots can be harvested 8 weeks after sowing. The plant is very cold tolerant and is usually left in the ground all winter to be harvested as required. The plant is also grown for its oil-rich seeds.
A good bee plant[3].
Range: A cultivated form of B. rapa.
Habitat: Not known in the wild.
Edibility: Root - cooked[4]. Similar in taste to the garden turnip but a bit coarser[2], the young roots can be grated and used in salads whilst older roots are best cooked and used as a vegetable[K]. They are usually available from the autumn until early spring and can be left in the ground in all but the coldest winters[K].
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.
Usage: A good green manure crop[2]. Fast growing and quickly producing a good bulk, the leaves die down in severe winters.
Pollinators: Bees
Habit: Biennial
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Links
References
- ↑ Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Woodward, L and P Burge. Green Manures. Elm Farm Research Centre, 1982.
- ↑ International Bee Research Association. Garden Plants Valuable to Bees. International Bee Research Association, 1981.
- ↑ Komarov, Vladimir. Flora of the USSR. Gantner Verlag, 1968.