Brassica rapa oleifera - (DC.)Metzg.
(DC.)Metzg.
Stubble Turnip
gbif· cc0
Miami University Turrell Herbarium - Vascular Plants (MU-)
Description
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.
Edible Uses
Oil. 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.
Distribution
A cultivated form of B. rapa.
Where It Grows
(Brassica rapa) Albania, Algeria, Bulgaria, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Greece, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Kriti, Lebanon-Syria, Libya, Morocco, North Caucasus, Oman, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Transcaucasus, Tunisia, Turkey, Yugoslavia.
Cultivation
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.
Propagation
Seed - sow in situ from March to July. A late July sowing produces a worthwhile bulk to dig in during October.
Other Uses
Green manure OilA good green manure crop. Fast growing and quickly producing a good bulk, the leaves die down in severe winters.
