When is the right time to sow rapeseed?

Rapeseed is a common oil crop with high economic value, wide production adaptability and a large planting area. In order to achieve high yields when growing rapeseed, it is important to master the sowing time. So when is the right time to sow rapeseed? Let’s take a look with the editor below.

1. When is the appropriate time to sow rapeseed?

1. Spring sowing

Spring sowing usually takes place between March and April, depending on the local climate warming up. In northern regions, due to the cold climate, spring is the main planting season, and sowing is usually done after the soil thaws. In the southern regions, although it can be planted in spring, autumn planting is more common. Rapeseed seeds germinate best at temperatures between 10-25°C, and the soil temperature should be above 15°C to increase the germination rate.

2. Autumn sowing

Fall planting is usually between September and November, with specific planting times varying by region. In the southern region, due to the warm and humid climate, autumn is the main planting season for rapeseed, and the sowing time is usually from mid-September to early October. In northern regions, the suitable sowing time is slightly later, usually in early October. When sowing in autumn, care must be taken to prevent phenomena such as excessive growth and the appearance of flower stalks due to the return of temperature to normal or sowing too early after sowing, which will be detrimental to wintering. However, sowing should not be done too late. If so, the seedlings will not have enough growth period, the taproots will not be deep enough in the soil, the seedlings will be tender and weak, and their ability to resist cold will be poor, making them easily damaged by frost in winter.

2. Rapeseed sowing method

1. Drill sowing

Row sowing is one of the main sowing methods of rapeseed. You can dig a shallow trench on the land, then spread the rapeseed seeds evenly into the trench and cover it with a thin layer of soil. The advantage of row sowing is that it is easy to manage and harvest, and is beneficial to the growth and development of rapeseed.

2. On Demand

Spot seeding is suitable for small-area planting or situations that require careful management. You can dig holes on the land according to a certain row spacing and plant spacing, then sow rapeseed seeds in the holes and cover them with soil. The advantage of spot seeding is that it saves seeds and is conducive to the uniform growth of rapeseed.

3. Sowing

Broadcasting is suitable for large-scale planting or mechanized sowing. Rapeseed seeds can be evenly spread on the ground and then covered with a thin layer of soil. The advantage of broadcasting is that it is easy to operate, but attention should be paid to the uniformity and density of the seeds.

4. Seeding amount

The sowing rate should be adjusted according to factors such as seed germination rate, plot size and planting density. Generally speaking, the seed amount per mu is between 250-450 grams.

The above is an introduction to the appropriate time to sow rapeseed. Farmers can choose high-quality, high-yield, disease-resistant rapeseed varieties for sowing. Before sowing, they can use pesticides to mix the seeds to enhance the seeds' resistance to stress and prevent the occurrence of diseases and pests.