Production Requirements
Soil Types: Well-drained soils, light to medium textured soils
Soil pH: Acidic to alkaline soils
Preferred Rotational Crops: Cereals
Should Not Rotate With: Canola, dry edible beans, soybeans, sunflowers or buckwheat
Minimum Soil Temperature: Has been broadcast onto frozen ground in early December under no-till conditions
Optimum Air Temperature: 20°C–25°C
Earliest Planting Date: Frost tolerant, heat tolerant
Required Growing Season: 80–100 days (11–14 weeks)
Camelina is an excellent source of omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids. The oil has been used in the formulation of cosmetics, skin creams and lotions. It is also used for biodiesel production and lubricants.
Planting
Camelina can be sown in late fall as a winter annual, or in spring. Fall seeding using no-till methods seems to work better than conventional tillage and seeding. Seed at 4–6 kg/ha (9–13 lb/acre) to achieve a stand of 400–600 plants/m2 (37–56 plants/ft²). Seed at a depth of 6.5 mm (0.25 in.). Seed size varies considerably between varieties. Adjust the planting rate according to both seed size and percent germination.
Fertility Management
Limited Ontario fertility guidelines exist. Suggested fertilizer rates would be similar to that for canola as camelina is a close relative. Phosphorus and potassium fertility should be at target soil test levels (12–18 ppm P and 100–130 ppm K). If soil phosphorous and potassium levels are below target ranges, incorporate these nutrients into the soil ahead of planting at rates to meet the crop removal plus an amount that will build up the soil test over time.
Harvest and Storage
Harvest
Combine 80–100 days after planting when pods are brown. The seed is extremely small; about quarter to half the size of canola seed. (1,000 seed weight = 1 to 2 g, or approximately 666,000 seeds/kg or 300,000 seeds/lb).
Standard canola harvesting practices can be followed, although producers will need to ft combines with properly sized screens.
Storage
Store seed in dry areas (under 8% moisture) and at low relative humidity.
Insects and Diseases
Camelina seed can act as a vector for the transmission of Turnip Yellow Mosaic virus. Camelina shows resistance to blackleg (Leptosphaeria maculans), and to Alternaria Brassicae. To date the most significant pest in Ontario has been flea beetles. Pests of canola and other oilseeds in Ontario may affect camelina. For registered pesticides on this crop, always refer to product labels, and follow specific directions. For more information, go to ontario.ca/crops, search on Industrial Miscellaneous, then oil crops.