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IIIFolio · plant profile№ 22F9medicinal · edible
Data provenancePermapeopleTreflePFAFeditorially reviewedreviewed 14 Jul 2026methodology → read
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Indian Colza

Brassica rapa trilocularis
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Brassica rapa trilocularis (Indian Colza) — botanical photograph
Pl. 22F9 — Brassica rapa trilocularis
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I

Overview

Indian Colza, scientifically known as Brassica rapa trilocularis, is an edible biennial plant native to regions including Albania, Algeria, Bulgaria, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Greece, Iran, and Iraq. This forb or herb typically grows up to 0.9 meters in height and thrives in light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils with a pH range of 5–8. It is known for its edible leaves, which can be harvested for culinary use. Indian Colza prefers moist conditions and grows best in hardiness zones 6-9. The plant can be propagated directly from seed sown outdoors. Its distinctive feature lies in its adaptability to various soil types and its light to moderate energy requirements.

Quick answers

What is Indian Colza?

Indian Colza, scientifically known as Brassica rapa trilocularis, is an edible biennial plant native to regions including Albania, Algeria, Bulgaria, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Greece, Iran, and Iraq. This forb or herb typically grows up to 0.

What is Indian Colza used for?

Traditionally used for immune support. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.

Best for
Top 1 evidence-ranked use of Indian Colza
Jump to full evidence →
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
II

Benefits & evidence

1 claim · traditional-use context
Traditional-use context
These notes are presented as ethnobotanical context. No cited clinical references are catalogued for this plant yet.
  • Brassica species, including Indian Colza, have been traditionally used to support the immune system. Consuming leaves regularly may help boost overall immunity.

    The mechanism is not fully characterised but likely involves compounds such as glucoraphanin which can enhance immune function through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

    ▲ ModerateImmune support →
IV·b

Mixology suggestions

1 draft
Editorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Indian Colza support blend
general
tea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

Indian Colza thrives in light to medium and heavy soils, preferring a pH between 5 and 8. It requires moist conditions but can tolerate various soil types. This biennial plant grows up to 0.9 meters tall and prefers partial shade to full sun. For propagation, direct seed outdoors during the appropriate season for your region (zones 6-9). Harvest its edible leaves throughout the growing period.
Light
8/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
6-9
Life cycle
Biennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.9 m tall
Soil pH
5–8
Propagation
Direct seed outdoors
Row spacing
2 cm
For first-time growers

How to grow Indian Colza for the first time

8steps

Start with Indian Colza as a simple, low-maintenance addition to your garden.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    Seeds, a trowel, and a watering can.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in spring or early summer for the first year, then again in fall for overwintering.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Choose a spot with well-draining soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy. Ensure the pH is between 5 and 8.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Direct seed outdoors when the soil has warmed to at least 10°C. Sow seeds about 2 cm deep and 30 cm apart.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during germination. Thin plants to 30-45 cm apart once they have several leaves.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Water regularly, especially in dry spells, and mulch around the base for moisture retention. Watch for pests like aphids and caterpillars.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune any yellowing leaves to encourage new growth and harvest outer leaves as needed throughout the growing season.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting pest control, and not providing enough space between plants.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:Lightingoil
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

21 native · 202 introduced
Distribution across5 continents· 21 native· 202 introduced
Europe25 regions
native (5)AlbaniaBulgariaGreeceItalyRussia
introduced (20)BelarusBelgiumDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyHungaryIrelandItalyNetherlandsNorwayPolandPortugalRomaniaRussiaSpainSwedenSwitzerlandUkraineUnited Kingdom
Asia20 regions
native (6)IranIraqOmanPalestineSaudi ArabiaTurkey
introduced (14)BangladeshCambodiaChinaGeorgiaIndiaKazakhstanKuwaitNepalPakistanSouth KoreaTaiwanTurkmenistanUzbekistanVietnam
Americas16 regions
introduced (16)BoliviaColombiaCosta RicaCubaDominican RepublicEcuadorEl SalvadorGuatemalaHaitiHondurasNicaraguaParaguayPeruPuerto RicoUnited StatesUruguay
Africa15 regions
native (6)AlgeriaEritreaEthiopiaLibyaMoroccoTunisia
introduced (9)ComorosEgyptKenyaMauritiusMozambiqueRwandaTanzaniaUgandaZimbabwe
Oceania1 region
introduced (1)New Caledonia
Broader regions
native:Kriti, Lebanon-Syria, Transcaucasus, Yugoslavia
introduced:Alabama, Alberta, Aleutian Is., Altay, Amur, Andaman Is., Argentina Northeast, Argentina Northwest, Argentina South, Arizona, Arkansas, Baltic States, Brazil Northeast, Brazil South, Brazil Southeast, Brazil West-Central, British Columbia, Buryatiya, California, Cape Provinces, Cayman Is., Chile Central, Chile North, Chile South, Chita, Colorado, Connecticut, Cook Is., Czechoslovakia, Delaware, District of Columbia, Falkland Is., Florida, Føroyar, Free State, Galápagos, Gilbert Is., Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Irkutsk, Juan Fernández Is., Kamchatka, Kansas, Kentucky, Khabarovsk, Kirgizstan, Krasnoyarsk, Kuril Is., Labrador, Leeward Is., Line Is., Louisiana, Magadan, Maine, Manitoba, Marianas, Marshall Is., Maryland, Masachusettes, Mexico Central, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Northwest, Mexico Southwest, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New South Wales, New York, New Zealand North, New Zealand South, Newfoundland, Nicobar Is., North Carolina, North Dakota, Northern Provinces, Northern Territory, Northwest Territorie, Nova Scotia, Ohio, Oklahoma, Ontario, Oregon, Panamá, Pennsylvania, Primorye, Prince Edward I., Québec, Réunion, Rhode I., Sakhalin, Saskatchewan, Society Is., Solomon Is., South Australia, South Carolina, South China Sea, South Dakota, Tadzhikistan, Tasmania, Tennessee, Texas, Trinidad-Tobago, Tristan da Cunha, Tuamotu, Tuva, Utah, Vermont, Victoria, Virginia, Washington, West Himalaya, West Virginia, Western Australia, Windward Is., Wisconsin, Wyoming, Yakutskiya, Yukon
IX

Specimen gallery

1 image
Brassica rapa trilocularis (Indian Colza) — botanical photograph
Indian Colza (Brassica rapa trilocularis)
X

See also

8 related
XI

Explore further

Companion planting
Growing zone
XII

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