Rape
Brassica napus napusfam. Brassicaceae
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Always consult a qualified clinician before using any herbal preparation — especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, while on medication, or for children. How we source & review →
Pl. BE27 — Brassica napus napus
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IOverview
Overview
Rape, scientifically known as Brassica napus napus, is an annual or biennial plant native to France. This member of the Brassicaceae family is valued for its edible leaves and is commonly grown in gardens and agricultural settings. Rape thrives in moist soil with a pH between 6 and 7.2, preferring light conditions that range from full sun to partial shade. It can grow up to 1.2 meters tall and is adaptable to various soil types, including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay). One distinctive feature of rape is its ability to produce a vibrant yellow flower, adding ornamental value to the landscape while also serving as an important food source for livestock and wildlife.
Quick answers
What is Rape?
Rape, scientifically known as Brassica napus napus, is an annual or biennial plant native to France. This member of the Brassicaceae family is valued for its edible leaves and is commonly grown in gardens and agricultural settings. Rape thrives in moist soil with a pH between 6 and 7.
What is Rape used for?
Traditionally used for digestion. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 1 evidence-ranked use of Rape
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources- Traditional-use note: Rape appears in herbal sources around after-meal comfort traditions, often as a tea. PlantSage presents this as ethnobotanical context, not as medical advice.
Traditional context only. This reviewed claim keeps the original low confidence level, but avoids treatment, disease, dosage, or guaranteed-effect language.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Rape support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Rape, also known as Brassica napus napus, thrives in full sun to partial shade and requires moist, well-draining soil with a pH between 6 and 7.2. It can grow up to 1.2 meters tall and is hardy in zones 6-9, making it suitable for temperate regions. For best results, plant rape in light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils. Propagate through seeds, which can be sown directly into the garden bed. Harvest its edible leaves throughout the growing season.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
6-9
Life cycle
Annual, Biennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
1.2 m tall
Soil pH
6–7.2
For first-time growers
How to grow Rape for the first time
7steps
Start with simple soil preparation and direct sowing for a straightforward beginner project.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds, garden tools (trowel, rake), compost, mulch.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring or early summer when the soil is warm and there's no risk of frost.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Prepare a well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 6 and 7.2. Loosen the topsoil to about 30 cm deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1-2 cm deep in rows spaced 45-60 cm apart. Thin seedlings to 30 cm apart once they have grown.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil moist and cover with a thin layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Fertilize lightly every 4-6 weeks with compost or well-rotted manure.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune any yellowing leaves to encourage new growth and harvest outer leaves as needed for cooking.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: Oil, Condiment
Other uses:oil
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
1 native · 29 introduced
Distribution
1 native · 29 introducedDistribution across4 continents· 1 native· 29 introduced
Europe7 regions
native (1)France
introduced (6)AlbaniaBelgiumBulgariaPortugalRussiaSpain
Asia3 regions
introduced (3)AfghanistanBangladeshChina
Americas2 regions
introduced (2)ColombiaUnited States
Africa1 region
introduced (1)Algeria
Broader regions
introduced:Alabama, Alberta, Altay, Argentina Northeast, Argentina Northwest, Arizona, Arkansas, Baltic States, British Columbia, Buryatiya, California, Chile Central, Chile South, Colorado, Connecticut
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Brassicaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Brassicaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · be27f8cc-62fa-4d9e-9ca4-382ed2c7f0e4
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