Following winter dormancy in April, the plants generally begin to develop yellow flowers that will continue to grow and bloom when seed is set on for five to six weeks. Pod set occurs from approximately 18 inches above the grown to the top of the plant, generally 55-60 inches tall. Harvest will occur during late June and early July, similar to that of winter wheat. Cabbage seedpod weevil, aphid, and harlequin bug. Sclerotinia stem blight is found when other susceptible crops are grown in rotation with rapeseed.
Pythium is most prevalent when rapeseed is planted late.
Rapeseed is classified as an oil crop. Growers who consider rapeseed production for the industrial oil market should grow it under contract only.