Rape (Brassica napus subsp. napus)

Byadmin
0.000
brassicas
Featured
Sun Requirements
Full Sun
Wildlife Attractant
Bees
Flower Color
Yellow
Flower Time
Late spring or early summer, Summer, Late summer or early fall
Flowers
Showy
Life cycle
Annual
Plant Height
90-120 cm
Plant Spread
15-20 cm
Propagation: Seeds
Self fertile, Provide darkness, Suitable for wintersowing, Sow in situ, Start indoors, Can handle transplanting
Detailed Information

Rape (Brassica napus subsp. napus), also known as oilseed rape or canola, is likely native to the **Mediterranean region and/or Eurasia**.

Here’s why:

* **Hybrid Origin:** Rape is a hybrid between *Brassica oleracea* (cabbage, kale, etc.) and *Brassica rapa* (turnip, Chinese cabbage, etc.). These parent species have origins in the Mediterranean and Eastern Europe/Eurasia, respectively.
* **Early Cultivation:** The earliest evidence of rape cultivation suggests it occurred in the **Mediterranean region**.
* **Spread:** From its likely origin point, it spread throughout Europe and Asia over centuries.
* **Modern Cultivation:** Today, it’s grown extensively worldwide, including Canada, Europe, Australia, and China, but its origin lies in the areas where its parent species evolved and hybridized.

Therefore, while rape is now a global crop, its likely native region is the **Mediterranean and/or parts of Eurasia**.