Brassica napus Colza (Cruciferae)

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Brassica napus
Colza
(1 Page of 5)

The Brassica napus plant species is found in Europe - Mediterranean. Naturalized in Britain[17]. It is a member of the Cruciferae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Colza.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Brassica napus
Common Name:  Colza
Family:  Cruciferae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  The oil contained in the seed of some varieties of this species can be rich in erucic acid which is toxic. However, modern cultivars have been selected which are almost free of erucic acid.

Mature Height:  1.2   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Banks of streams, ditches and arable fields in Britain[17].

Cultivation Notes: Succeeds in full sun in a well-drained fertile preferably alkaline soil[200]. Succeeds in any reasonable soil[52]. Prefers a heavy soil and cool moist conditions[16, 20]. Tolerates a pH in the range 4.2 to 8.3. Widely cultivated for its seed which is sprouted and used as the 'mustard' of mustard and cress, as well as for the edible oil obtained from the seed[17]. There are many named varieties[183]. The oil is high in erucic acid and glucosinolates, both of which have anti-nutritional properties. Cultivars have been developed that have a low content of these items and are therefore suitable for food. The growth of this plant is inhibited by field mustard and hedge mustard growing nearby[18, 20]. Closely related to B. campestris[200]. B. napus is an aggregate species, the form grown as a green manure is B. napus arvensis. Lam.

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

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