Stubble Turnip
Brassica rapa oleifera
Family: Brassicaceae or Cruciferae
What it is like
Brassica rapa oleifera is a BIENNIAL growing to 0.9 m (3ft). It is not frost tender. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.9
Where it is found
Not known in the wild.
A cultivated form of B. rapa.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Root - cooked. Similar in taste to the garden turnip but a bit coarser, the young roots can be grated and used in salads whilst older roots are best cooked and used as a vegetable. They are usually available from the autumn until early spring and can be left in the ground in all but the coldest winters. Leaves - raw or cooked. A bit on the coarse side, though the young leaves can be added in moderation to salads whilst older leaves make an acceptable vegetable. An edible oil is obtained from the seeds.
Oil: Oil
Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 3
A good green manure crop. Fast growing and quickly producing a good bulk, the leaves die down in severe winters.
Green manure: Fast-growing plants that can be used to increase the fertility of the soil.
Oil: Vegetable oils have many uses, as lubricants, lighting, soap and paint making, waterproofing etc. This does not include the edible oils unless they are also mentioned as having other uses.
Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife
How it is grown
Succeeds in full sun in a well-drained fertile preferably alkaline soil. Succeeds in any reasonable soil. A fairly deep rooted plant, stubble turnip is mainly grown as a feed for farm animals though it is also suitable for human consumption, especially if eaten when small. It is fast growing plant, a crop of young roots can be harvested 8 weeks after sowing. The plant is very cold tolerant and is usually left in the ground all winter to be harvested as required. The plant is also grown for its oil-rich seeds. A good bee plant.
Propagating it: Seed - sow in situ from March to July. A late July sowing produces a worthwhile bulk to dig in during October.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Biennial
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist