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Seeding Guidelines

Camelina can be seeded using standard cereal grain drills but carefull attention will be needed due to its small seed size. If drills for smaller seeds are available such as is typically found on no till drills they are ideal.

Seedbed Preperation

Ideal seedbed preperation will ensure better seed to soil contact for this shallowly seeded crop. However seeding into a diversity of soils has proven successfull due to its plasticity.

Direct Seeding rates

  • Seeding Rate: 6-8 kg/ha (5-7lbs/a) is the recommended seeding rate, with row spacing between 12.5-15 cm (5-6 in). Increased seeding rates has not lead to increased yield.
  • Depth: For direct sowing 0.5-1.5 cm is recommended. However, deeper seeding up to 3 cm will also work, but will delay germination. Adjust depth based on soil moisture conditions and upcoming weather.

Broadcast and Ariel Seeding rates

Camelina can be broadcast and there are examples of aireal seeding by drone, though no recommended rates exist for drone seeding. The lightweight seed means factors like height of the broadcaster and wind conditions must be considered for good coverage. Light incorporation is recommended. Typical rates for broadcasting are around 12-15 kg/ha, though more research on this is needed, however some have shown equal or better results, so it is worth considering due to broadcast usually being lower cost. (Schillinger2012).

Seeding Timing

Seeding timing is one of the most context dependent choices to be made, typically it is recommended to seed when fall or spring cereals are seeded.

  • Winter Camelina: Seeding in the fall in colder regions needs to be done from the end of September to the middle of October for best results. There have been successes later than that in some regions. There needs to be enough time for the establishment of the cotolyedons, and better for the beginning of the rosette.

  • Spring Camelina: Seeding in the spring should happen at the first chance that winter annual weeds can be terminated and the soil can be worked for seeding. The cold hardy nature of Camelina allows for very early seeding. Spring Camelina can be seeded in the fall in warmer Mediteranean climates, typically by mid to late November at the latest climate dependent.