Brassicas ·Growing Guide
Forage Rape
Brassica napus (forage type)
Forage RapeBrassicasLow Maintenance
The regrowth champion of brassica forages. Forage Rape's defining trait is its ability to regrow after grazing—if grazed above the growing point (4+ inches), it produces a second and even third flush of leafy forage. This multi-graze capability makes it the most efficient brassica for rotational grazing systems. At 18-25% crude protein...
Shop Wicked Tuff Turf →Overview
About Forage Rape
Forage Rape (Brassica napus, forage type—not to be confused with oilseed canola, which is the same species bred for oil production) is the multi-purpose brassica. Its combination of fast establishment (60-80 days to grazing), high protein (18-25% crude protein), regrowth capability, and moderate cold hardiness makes it the most versatile brassica for northern livestock and food plot operations.
The regrowth trait sets Rape apart from turnips and radishes: when grazed above the growing point (leave at least 4 inches of stem), Rape produces new leaf growth for a second and sometimes third grazing rotation. This extends the total forage production window and improves per-acre utilization compared to turnips (which are grazed once and done).
Dwarf Essex is the most common forage rape variety, producing 2-4 feet of leafy growth with excellent protein content. It's a component of many commercial food plot mixes and is frequently combined with turnips, clover, and chicory for diverse multi-species plantings.
The regrowth trait sets Rape apart from turnips and radishes: when grazed above the growing point (leave at least 4 inches of stem), Rape produces new leaf growth for a second and sometimes third grazing rotation. This extends the total forage production window and improves per-acre utilization compared to turnips (which are grazed once and done).
Dwarf Essex is the most common forage rape variety, producing 2-4 feet of leafy growth with excellent protein content. It's a component of many commercial food plot mixes and is frequently combined with turnips, clover, and chicory for diverse multi-species plantings.
Fit
Where It Shines
Best for
- Rotational grazing systems (multi-graze regrowth)
- High-protein fall forage for livestock
- Wildlife food plots (deer, turkey)
- Cover crop with nitrogen scavenging
- Multi-species food plot mixes
- Moderate biofumigation (lower than mustard but still beneficial)
- Operations wanting multiple grazing events from one planting
Not ideal for
- Lawns or turf
- Maximum biomass (kale yields more)
- Deep compaction breaking (use radish)
- Maximum biofumigation (use mustard)
- Continuous close grazing (kills growing point)
- Extended winter grazing past December (kale persists longer)
From Seed to Stand
Establishment & Growth
Germination
Days 3-5: First seedlings emerge. Days 5-7: True leaves develop rapidly. Fast-establishing brassica. Canopy closure in 4-6 weeks under good conditions.
Growth Habit
Annual. Upright, leafy, 2-4 feet tall. Does not produce a bulb (all leaf/stem forage). Rapid regrowth after grazing if cut above the growing point.
Establishment Timeline
Emergence: 3-5 days. First grazing: 60-80 days. Regrowth after grazing: 4-6 weeks. Persists through moderate frost.
Rates & Care
Seeding & Maintenance
| Seeding rate (new) | 3-5 lbs per acre; 0.1 lbs per 1,000 sq ft |
|---|---|
| Overseeding rate | Not typically overseeded |
| Soil temp to germinate | 40-45°F |
| Mowing height | Not mowed; grazed or incorporated |
| Minimum mow height | 4 inches (leave growing point intact for regrowth) |
| First mow | Graze when plants reach 14-18 inches (typically 60-80 days) |
| Soil pH | 5.5-7.0 |
| Soil preference | Well-drained loam to clay loam. Adaptable to a range of soils. Tolerates slightly more acidity than turnip or kale. |
| Nitrogen needs | 60-100 lbs N per acre |
Conditions
Tolerances
SunFull sun (6-8+ hours)
ShadePoor
DroughtModerate
TrafficLow
ColdGood (tolerates hard frost; less cold-hardy than kale but more than turnip tops)
HeatModerate (performs best in cool conditions; bolts in extended heat)
Hardiness ZonesAnnual in all zones
Step by Step
How to Sow
1
Step 1: Prep
Plant 60-90 days before grazing; apply 60-100 lbs N
2
Step 2: Fertilize
Scout for flea beetles at emergence
3
Step 3: Sow
Broadcast or drill at 3-5 lbs per acre
4
Step 4: Contact
Plant 1/4" deep; firm seedbed
5
Step 5: Water
Water if dry
6
Step 6: Mow/Establish
Graze at 14-18"; leave 4" stem for regrowth
Feeding & Timing
Fertilizing & Season
Fertilizer Recommendation
Apply 60-100 lbs N per acre at planting. Additional N (20-30 lbs) after first grazing promotes strong regrowth. Phosphorus and potassium based on soil test. Recommended: Wicked Growth balanced formula at planting with split N application.
Find the right Wicked fertilizer →Seasonal Planting
Late summer planting (July-August) most common in zones 4-6 for fall grazing. Spring planting (April-May) effective for summer forage. Earlier planting allows more regrowth cycles. Rape can also be used in multi-species mixes planted in August for fall food plots.
In Context
How It Compares
Rape vs. Turnip: Rape regrows after grazing (turnip doesn't) and has higher protein tops; Turnip offers bonus bulb energy and matures faster. Rape vs. Kale: Rape establishes faster and is grazeable sooner; Kale yields more total biomass and survives colder. Rape vs. Mustard: Rape is better for forage; Mustard is better for biofumigation. Rape is the best choice when you want multiple grazing events from a single brassica planting.
Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is forage rape and is it the same as canola?
Forage rape (Brassica napus) is a leafy brassica bred for livestock grazing rather than oil seed production. While forage rape and canola share the same species, they are different varieties selected for different purposes—canola for seed oil, forage rape for leaf and stem biomass. Forage rape produces 3-6 tons of fresh biomass per acre in 80-120 days, with crude protein of 15-25% in leaves. It is one of the fastest-establishing brassica forages.
When should I plant forage rape?
Plant forage rape in spring (April-May) for summer grazing, or in late summer (July-August) for fall and winter grazing. Fall plantings are more common because rape thrives in cool weather and provides high-quality forage when pasture quality declines. Rape germinates in 5-7 days at soil temperatures above 45°F and is grazeable within 60-90 days. In zones 4-6, a late July planting provides grazing from October through December.
What is the seeding rate for forage rape?
Seed forage rape at 5-8 lbs per acre broadcast, or 3-5 lbs per acre drilled. For small plots, use approximately 0.1-0.2 lbs per 1,000 sq ft. Plant 0.25-0.5 inches deep. Rape seed is small and requires good seed-to-soil contact for uniform establishment. When mixing with other brassicas (turnip, kale, radish), reduce rape to 2-3 lbs per acre. Rape establishes quickly and competes well with weeds once canopy closure occurs at 4-6 weeks.
Can cattle and sheep graze forage rape safely?
Yes, with proper management. Introduce livestock to rape gradually over 7-10 days, starting with 1-2 hours of grazing access and increasing daily. Sudden unrestricted access to lush rape can cause digestive upset, photosensitization (sunburn-like reaction on light-skinned animals), and nitrate toxicity. Limit rape to 50-70% of total diet and always provide grass hay or pasture access alongside rape. Strip-grazing with temporary fencing controls intake and maximizes utilization.
Does forage rape regrow after grazing?
Yes—forage rape regrows after grazing if grazed to a 4-6 inch stubble, allowing the growing points to remain intact. A properly grazed rape stand can provide 2-3 grazing rotations with 28-35 day rest periods between grazings. Grazing below 4 inches removes growing points and significantly reduces or eliminates regrowth. This regrowth capability makes rape more productive than turnips, which are grazed once (including the root) and do not regrow.
How cold-hardy is forage rape?
Forage rape tolerates frost down to 15-20°F, making it intermediate in cold hardiness between turnips (20-25°F) and kale (10-15°F). In zones 5-7, rape provides grazing into November-December. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles eventually break down leaf tissue. Like other brassicas, light frost improves palatability by increasing sugar content. For maximum cold-season grazing, plant kale alongside rape—kale outlasts rape by 2-4 weeks in late fall.
What soil conditions does forage rape need?
Forage rape grows in pH 5.5-7.5 on a variety of soil types. It performs best on fertile, well-drained loam with good moisture retention. Rape requires moderate fertility—60-100 lbs nitrogen and adequate phosphorus and potassium for full production. Like all brassicas, boron deficiency causes hollow stems, so apply 1-2 lbs boron per acre on deficient soils. Rape tolerates light clay but does not perform well on waterlogged or poorly drained soils.
