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Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Tuff Turf Forage Rape
Regrows after grazing—highest-protein brassica forage at 18-25% CP. Dwarf Essex variety. 60-80 day maturity. Brassica napus. Wildlife and livestock.
Growing Guides & Fertilizer Education
The regrowth champion of brassica forages. Forage Rape's defining trait is its ability to regrow after grazing—if grazed above the growing point (4+ inches), it produces a second and even third flush of leafy forage. This multi-graze capability makes it the most efficient brassica for rotational grazing systems. At 18-25% crude protein, Rape tops are among the highest-protein forages available. Dwarf Essex is the standard variety—fast-establishing, high-protein, and versatile enough for livestock grazing, wildlife food plots, and cover cropping.
Category
Brassica
Type
Forage Rape
Scientific Name
Brassica napus (forage type)
Zones
Annual in all zones
Brand
Wicked Tuff Turf
What Is It ?
The regrowth champion of brassica forages. Forage Rape's defining trait is its ability to regrow after grazing—if grazed above the growing point (4+ inches), it produces a second and even third flush of leafy forage. This multi-graze capability makes it the most efficient brassica for rotational grazing systems. At 18-25% crude protein, Rape tops are among the highest-protein forages available. Dwarf Essex is the standard variety—fast-establishing, high-protein, and versatile enough for livestock grazing, wildlife food plots, and cover cropping.
How to Apply ?
Step 1
Plant 60-90 days before grazing; apply 60-100 lbs N
Step 2
Scout for flea beetles at emergence
Step 3
Spread seed (6-8 lbs/1k sq ft new; 3-4 lbs overseed)
Step 4
Plant 1/4" deep; firm seedbed
Step 5
Water if dry
Step 6
Graze at 14-18"; leave 4" stem for regrowth
Best For
Rotational grazing systems (multi-graze regrowth)|High-protein fall forage for livestock|Wildlife food plots (deer, turkey)|Cover crop with nitrogen scavenging|Multi-species food plot mixes|Moderate biofumigation (lower than mustard but still beneficial)|Operations wanting multiple grazing events from one planting
FAQs
1.
What is a tillage radish?
Forage rape (Brassica napus) is a leafy brassica bred for livestock grazing rather than oil seed production. While forage rape and canola share the same species, they are different varieties selected for different purposes—canola for seed oil, forage rape for leaf and stem biomass. Forage rape produces 3-6 tons of fresh biomass per acre in 80-120 days, with crude protein of 15-25% in leaves. It is one of the fastest-establishing brassica forages.
2.
What does 85/80 Kentucky bluegrass mean in this mix?
Plant forage rape in spring (April-May) for summer grazing, or in late summer (July-August) for fall and winter grazing. Fall plantings are more common because rape thrives in cool weather and provides high-quality forage when pasture quality declines. Rape germinates in 5-7 days at soil temperatures above 45°F and is grazeable within 60-90 days. In zones 4-6, a late July planting provides grazing from October through December.
3.
How much clover is in the All Purpose Lawn Mix and will it be visible?
Seed forage rape at 5-8 lbs per acre broadcast, or 3-5 lbs per acre drilled. For small plots, use approximately 0.1-0.2 lbs per 1,000 sq ft. Plant 0.25-0.5 inches deep. Rape seed is small and requires good seed-to-soil contact for uniform establishment. When mixing with other brassicas (turnip, kale, radish), reduce rape to 2-3 lbs per acre. Rape establishes quickly and competes well with weeds once canopy closure occurs at 4-6 weeks.
4.
Can cattle and sheep graze forage rape safely?
Yes, with proper management. Introduce livestock to rape gradually over 7-10 days, starting with 1-2 hours of grazing access and increasing daily. Sudden unrestricted access to lush rape can cause digestive upset, photosensitization (sunburn-like reaction on light-skinned animals), and nitrate toxicity. Limit rape to 50-70% of total diet and always provide grass hay or pasture access alongside rape. Strip-grazing with temporary fencing controls intake and maximizes utilization.
5.
Does forage rape regrow after grazing?
The All Purpose Mix performs in 3-8+ hours of direct sunlight. Optimal performance is at 4-6 hours. In shadier spots (3-4 hours), creeping red fescue carries the stand. In full sun (8+ hours), tall fescue tends to dominate over time. For less than 3 hours of direct sun, the Sun & Shade Mix is a better choice with its 65% fine fescue content designed specifically for heavy shade. The All Purpose is best described as a moderate-shade-tolerant blend.
6.
What fertilizer program does the All Purpose Lawn Mix need?
Apply 2-3 lbs nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft annually, with the white clover component providing an additional 0.5-1 lb N through biological fixation. Fall fertilization (September-October in zones 4-6) produces the best results. A simple program: 1 lb N per 1,000 sq ft in September, 1 lb in late October, and optionally 0.5-1 lb in late May. Avoid heavy spring nitrogen which promotes disease and weed pressure. Slow-release or organic fertilizers complement the clover's natural fertility contribution.
7
What soil conditions does forage rape need?
Forage rape grows in pH 5.5-7.5 on a variety of soil types. It performs best on fertile, well-drained loam with good moisture retention. Rape requires moderate fertility—60-100 lbs nitrogen and adequate phosphorus and potassium for full production. Like all brassicas, boron deficiency causes hollow stems, so apply 1-2 lbs boron per acre on deficient soils. Rape tolerates light clay but does not perform well on waterlogged or poorly drained soils.