While many oilseed rape growers have already drilled their crops, some have been holding back, having noted that later drilling into September has its advantages.

Growers may well be wondering “how late is too late”, and what temperature does a vigorous hybrid variety need for successful establishment before winter? 

We asked two breeders for their insights.

See also: Late-drilled oilseed rape escapes high flea beetle pressure 

NVZ

Michael Shuldham, product manager

“There are a number of provisos for successful late drilling,” says Michael Shuldham of NPZ UK.

Most important is to say it is advisable only for hybrid varieties with their vigorous development. And as late-sown oilseed rape crops are more at risk, a good phoma rating is important.

As part of NPZ’s trials into late drilling, Michael has analysed daily temperatures at its headquarters in Impington, close to Cambridge, over two autumns.

“If we want to reach the eight-leaf stage with a robust plant based on 8mm root neck diameter and a tap root of more than 8cm before winter, we have to accumulate 150C for germination and around 120-150C a leaf pair.”

He points out that between the beginning of September and end of November in the two autumns analysed by NPZ, they received 1,131C and 1,163C, respectively. “That is more than enough for sufficient development of the crop.”

Calculating both figures together, a minimum 800C is needed for sufficient development before winter, and based on the temperature data from Impington, they can still reach that stage.

Varieties such as hybrids Maverick and Murray, with their vigorous growth habit and excellent phoma resistance, are good examples of varieties that should be suited to late drilling while, as always, taking into account farm location and modifying key factors such as the sowing rate.

In summary, he says it is worthwhile considering late sowing if a farmer’s temperature data is comparable with Impington. 

“With many growers having their own weather station, they can look at their own historic information as well as our data, to make an informed decision,” adds Michael.

Limagrain

Ryan Kemp, senior trials officer

There is an excellent opportunity to establish oilseed rape and capitalise on this potentially profitable break crop, according to Limagrain Field Seeds.

Oilseed rape was a standout performer on many farms this harvest, with Lincolnshire grower Tim Lamyman even setting a new world record yield with his 10 September-sown crop of Avenger.

Many growers will have already drilled 2025/26 crops, but for those who have not, there is still time to get oilseed rape in, providing conditions are suitable, says Limagrain Field Seeds senior trials officer Ryan Kemp.

“In our trials on the Lincolnshire Wolds, we’ve drilled oilseed rape right up to the first week in October in some years, and still produced decent crops.”

He points out that generally speaking, the UK no longer sees extremely cold winters, so providing there is still sufficient warmth and moisture in the soil, and farmers can get crops to the six to nine true leaf stage before winter, they should survive pretty well.

Indeed, later drilling can be advantageous in helping to miss early cabbage stem flea beetle activity, potentially reducing the classic “shot-holing” damage caused by adults, and also reducing larvae pressure in spring.

Smaller plants also tend to be at lower risk from foliar diseases, such as light leaf spot, compared with earlier-sown, dense canopies, he notes.

Rapid establishment is key

Strong, fast establishment is central to the success of any oilseed rape crop though, particularly when sowing later in the season, and Tim identifies five important steps to help achieve this:

• Select the right variety All Limagrain hybrid varieties have very good hybrid autumn vigour and are well suited for later drilling

• Wait for moisture Adequate soil moisture at drilling, and crucially, 10 days after drilling, is vital for rapid oilseed rape germination and establishment

• Establish crops well The optimum establishment technique will vary for individual situations and soil types, but whatever system is used, maximising seed-to-soil contact and conserving moisture with adequate seed-bed consolidation, is key.

  Remove any compaction prior to drilling, to avoid compromising root growth, but only do what is necessary to help conserve moisture and protect natural soil structure.

  Strip tillage systems that only disturb a narrow band of soil can work very well for oilseed rape

• Use a placement fertiliser Placing phosphate and a small amount of nitrogen fertiliser with seed at drilling is a very effective way of stimulating strong root development and crop establishment.

  Liquid and microgranular products are available, so discuss the best options with your agronomist or adviser

• Control weeds early Any pre-emergence herbicides should be applied as soon as possible after drilling to minimise early weed competition. 

  “Growing any crop, oilseed rape in particular, can sometimes be like a roll of the dice, so you have to be prepared to invest a bit of time and money to make it work,” says Tim.

  “If you do, oilseed rape is still very profitable in the right situations. It can yield brilliantly, as we have seen on-farm and in trials this year, where there have been some really good yields.”