Dwarf Essex Rape, Brassicas

Dwarf Essex Forage Brassica Seed

Cold-hardy brassica supplies digestible, protein-rich forage
Fast leafy growth remains palatable into cool weather
Dense cover suppresses weeds and protects vulnerable soil
Useful for grazing, wildlife plots, and soil improvement

See product details

Key Attributes

Botanical Name

Brassica napus

Days to maturity

56 Days

Sun

Full Sun

Zones 2–11 Check your growing zone

About Dwarf Essex, Forage Brassica Seed, Forage Brassica Seed

Dwarf Essex Rape (Brassica napus) is a fast-growing, cold-hardy forage crop commonly used for livestock grazing, wildlife food plots, and soil improvement. This leafy brassica produces high-protein, highly digestible forage that remains palatable even in colder temperatures, making it an excellent choice for fall and winter grazing. It is drought-resistant and can thrive in various soil types, providing a nutritious food source for deer, cattle, and other grazing animals. Additionally, its deep root system helps improve soil structure and reduce erosion. Due to its rapid regrowth, Dwarf Essex Rape is a valuable option for sustainable pasture management.

Growing details

Planting

Sow Depth

1/2"

Days to Germination

3–10 days

Row Spacing

Broadcast or Drill

Plant profile

Life Cycle

Perennial

Hardiness Zone

Zones 2-11

Plant Height

36 inches

Growth Habits

Rosette, Upright

Seed & variety

Seeds Per Ounce

6,888

Seed Type

Open Pollinated

Before Planting

Forage Brassica grows best in an open site with drainage and soil conditions suited to forage brassica. Control perennial weeds, remove heavy residue if it will interfere with seeding, and prepare a firm seedbed; use a soil test to correct major deficiencies. Confirm the planting window and termination plan before sowing, especially when the crop could overwinter or reseed.

Planting

Plant forage brassica seed outdoors during its recommended seasonal window, when enough growing time remains for establishment. Broadcast or drill seed evenly, then roll or press the area to ensure firm seed-to-soil contact. Keep the surface moist until seedlings establish if rainfall is insufficient. These crops normally form a stand and are not thinned; use the separate seeding-rate guidance to control density.

Watering

Water forage brassica during establishment whenever rainfall is insufficient. Once rooted, field stands generally rely on rainfall; irrigate during prolonged drought only when continued growth is desired, avoiding saturated soil.

Fertilizer

Fertilize forage brassica according to soil-test results and the crop’s purpose. Use nitrogen only when needed for growth, avoiding overapplication that causes lodging, runoff, or excessive residue.

Harvesting

Harvest or terminate forage brassica according to its purpose. Cut for tender forage before stems become coarse, or terminate near early flowering for manageable residue and to prevent unwanted reseeding.

Tips

Plan how and when forage brassica will be terminated before planting. Mow or incorporate before viable seed develops, and allow residue time to break down before sowing the following crop.

AVG. Seeding Rate

When broadcasting, seed at the higher end of the stated range. Mustard: ¼ lb./1,000 sq.ft.; 5–15 lb./acre. Oilseed Radish: ½ lb./1,000 sq.ft.; 10–20 lb./acre. Turnips: ¼ lb./1,000 sq.ft.; 5–8 lb./acre.

Pests & Diseases

Black rot, clubroot, downy mildew, and Alternaria can weaken forage brassicas and infect later vegetable crops. V-shaped leaf lesions and swollen roots are especially important findings. Use clean seed, avoid moving contaminated soil, rotate out of brassicas, and terminate diseased stands before grazing losses or pathogen carryover increase.

Forage brassicas should be scouted for cabbageworms, loopers, flea beetles, aphids, and root maggots. Rotation and timely stand termination help break cycles; netting is practical mainly for small plantings.