Brassica rapa trilocularis
| Brassica rapa | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |  |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Self Pollinated | |
| Life Cycle: | Biennial |
| Height: | 3' |
| Shelter | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
 | |
Brassica rapa trilocularis (common name: indian colza)
Propagation: Seed - sow in situ April to September[1]. Some varieties can also be sown in a cold greenhouse in late autumn, winter or early spring to provide leaves overwinter and in late spring.
Cultivation: Succeeds in full sun in a well-drained fertile preferably alkaline soil[2]. Prefers a light sandy soil and dislikes a heavy soil[3]. Prefers cool moist growing conditions[4]. Succeeds in any reasonable soil. Tolerates a pH in the range 4.3 to 8.3.
Indian colza 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. Used as a vegetable or fermented and stored for winter use[5]. 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. It is used for cooking[5].
Usage: The oil from the seed is used for lighting[5].
The seed husks are used in plastering house walls[5].
Pollinators: Bees
Habit: Biennial
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Links
References
- ↑ Larkcom, Joy. Oriental Vegetables. John Murray, 1991.
- ↑ Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ Thompson, Robert. The Gardener's Assistant. Blackie and Son, 1878.
- ↑ Simons, Arthur. New Vegetable Growers Handbook. Penguin, 1977.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Manandhar, Narayan. Plants and People of Nepal. Timber Press, 2002.