Primeseedco-Rape Rampart-25g

Description

Variety Overview: Rape Rampart An open-pollinated rape (forage brassica) variety marketed for leaf production—particularly for leafy green harvests in fresh-market or local vegetable contexts rather than oilseed use. Commonly offered in seed packet sizes ranging from 10 g to 1 kg. Key Features Maturity: Harvestable about 21 days after transplanting seedlings. Leaf Characteristics: Large, tender, rich-green foliage—ideal for fresh consumption. Harvest Period: Provides multiple pickings over 2–3 months, with harvesting possible about 8 times per crop cycle. Yield: From Seed Co’s trials, harvesting yields roughly 70,000–110,000 saleable bundles of 20–25-leaf bunches per hectare. Agronomy & Crop Management Nursery & Transplanting: Seedlings start in the nursery for 4–5 weeks depending on season, then transplanted. Seedlings should be hardened before transplanting. Mulching (e.g. straw or grass) from transplant supports moisture retention and reduces soil splash. Planting Density: Suggested spacing of 30–40 cm between rows, with 20–30 cm between plants, equating to ~80,000–130,000 plants/ha. Raised beds (1.5–1.8 m centers) are recommended. Fertilizer: Apply basal compound mixes (“B,” “C,” “L,” or “S”) at 500–800 kg/ha before planting. Top-dress with 200–250 kg/ha Ammonium Nitrate, split over 3–4 applications in the first 28 days. Compost or manure (10 t/ha) can supplement fertility. Harvesting Schedule: Begins around 30 days post-transplant, continuing for ~45 days with frequent picks. Harvest early morning or evening to avoid wilting. Post-Harvest Handling: To reduce wilting during transport, cover produce in transit and maintain cool, shaded storage conditions before market. Feature Summary Table Attribute Details Variety Type Open‑pollinated Rape (leaf vegetable) Days to Harvest ~21 days from transplant Harvest Duration ~2–3 months (up to ~8 harvests) Leaf Traits Soft, large, rich-green leaves Harvest Yield ~70,000–110,000 bundles/ha Planting Density 80,000–130,000 plants/ha Fertilization Regime Basal 500–800 kg/ha + top AN splits Seedling Development 4–5 weeks nursery then transplant Post-Harvest Handling Cover produce during transport; cool shade 🌍 Applicability in Zambia (Kitwe area) Likely a good match for multi-harvest green leaf supply in Kitwe market or garden settings, offering quick leaf production on raised beds. Open-pollinated nature makes it affordable and seed recyclable, though uniformity may decline across generations. Best grown with consistent moisture, proper bed preparation, and careful fertility management for sweetness and leaf quality. Recommendations & Next Steps If ordering through Seed Co Zambia or Prime Seed Co, confirm local availability, pricing, and any planting instruction sheet or cultivar guide. Consider planting demonstration beds to monitor performance under Kitwe’s soil and rainfall conditions. Use recommended spacing, fertilization, and mulching, and employ frequent harvesting at early leaf stages for best quality and yield. If desired, I can assist with pest/disease risk profiles, planting within seasonal calendar, or comparing to other leafy brassicas like kale or choy sum.