The inflorescence is originated from the terminal end of the main stems and branches. These carry very bright yellow flowers. Flower numbers can be influenced by many factors such as variety climate and farming techniques. The number of flowers on one plant may be from 12-25. Although this sound like a lot it produces more flowers than pods and generally 65-70 percent of these flowers become pods and the rest are discarded.
Low temperatures are generally what causes flowering in winter sown rape.
This period may last from 3-5 weeks or longer. Flowering length has been thought to influence yield careful planning is needed when planting the crop as to ensure a proper time for flowering. A common loss of yield is caused by loss or destruction of buds. Hail and insects are a major cause bud loss. The major insects that cause this bud loss are pollen beetles and seed weevils.