Twenty to thirty pounds of nitrogen should be applied prior to planting with an additional 80 to 120 pounds applied in the winter or early spring before growth starts. Do not use a floater to apply the spring nitrogen, as many plants under the tires may be killed if they are not in the correct growth stage or weather conditions are not ideal when the fertilizer is applied. Because canola seedlings are very sensitive to weed competition, they should be seeded in clean fields at narrow row spacings. This results in an early leaf canopy that shades or smothers weed growth. Mixtures of canola with mustard and wild garlic reduce the market value of the crop.
Canola is ripe when plants turn a straw color and seeds become dark brown.
This occurs approximately July 1 for winter varieties. Seed moisture should be near 11 percent for direct combining. Seed moisture should be lowered to nine percent if it is to be stored long. Also, because canola seed is small enough to pass through many bin aeration floors, something such as nylon window screen may be needed on the bin floor and other ventilation channels. Ohio farmers should not plan to store canola through the winter.