About Rape
Forage rape is a large-leafed annual brassica that provides substantial above-ground leafy forage through fall and early winter, with palatability increasing sharply after frost. It is one of the tallest-growing brassicas and can produce heavy tonnage on fertile soils, but it requires at least two months of frost-free growth after planting to develop fully. It is best mixed with turnips, radish, or cereal grains rather than planted alone, so deer have palatable options early in the season while waiting for the rape to sweeten.
How much Rape seed per acre?
The standard broadcast seeding rate for Rape is 6–8 lbs per acre, dropping to about 3.5 lbs per acre when drilled. 8 lb/ac broadcast pure stand; 4 lb/ac drilled; 2–3 lb/ac in a mixed brassica blend. Palatability highly variable by region — some herds eat it readily, others ignore it until heavy frost. The calculator above scales this to your exact plot size and converts it into the number of retail bags to buy.
When to plant Rape
Rape is a cool-season crop. In the northern US, plant in late Jul–early Aug; farther south, plant in Aug–Sep. Sow it 1/8" deep and plan on 70–90; 2+ months before frost is needed.
Soil, pH & fertilizer
Aim for a soil pH near 6.5(don't go below ~6). 300 lb/ac 19-19-19 at planting; supplement with 60 lb/ac actual N and 1–2 lb/ac boron post-establishment. Not sure where your soil sits? Read our soil test & lime guide.
Rape blends well with turnips, forage radish, kale, oats, cereal rye if you want a more diverse, resilient plot.
Rape FAQ
- How much Rape seed do I need per acre?
- Broadcast Rape at about 6–8 lbs per acre, or 3.5 lbs per acre if you drill it. 8 lb/ac broadcast pure stand; 4 lb/ac drilled; 2–3 lb/ac in a mixed brassica blend. Palatability highly variable by region — some herds eat it readily, others ignore it until heavy frost.
- When should I plant Rape?
- In the northern US plant in late Jul–early Aug; in the South plant in Aug–Sep. Expect 70–90; 2+ months before frost is needed.
- What soil pH does Rape need?
- Rape does best at a soil pH around 6.5 (minimum ~6). 300 lb/ac 19-19-19 at planting; supplement with 60 lb/ac actual N and 1–2 lb/ac boron post-establishment.
- Do deer like Rape?
- Deer preference: seasonal — variable early; high to very high after hard frost.