However, growing a recommended variety will reduce the possibility of high FFA and minimize the risk that crushers will refuse to accept or severely discount loads of canola because of FFA's. It is not as tolerant to drought as cereals and does not perform well on wet soils. Groundhogs can be a major problem as they feed on canola. Spring canola should be seeded as early as possible. Research in Ontario has shown that date of seeding has a greater influence on yield than any other factor.
Later plantings reduce yields.
Winter canola should be planted August 15-30 to get adequate root development for overwintering and to withstand desiccation. Areas along Lake Huron or downwind from large bodies of water are most suitable for winter canola. Winter canola is often killed in March or April, after it has lost its winterhardiness and has started to grow. The lake effect reduces the large diurnal fluctuations in temperature, thereby increasing the chances of survival. Canola should not be grown in successive years on the same land, because of the increased chance of crop losses due to diseases and insects.