Redstart Hybrid Brassica Seeds

Redstart Hybrid Brassica Seeds – High-Energy Winter Forage

Germinal's Redstart Hybrid Brassica is a kale/rape cross engineered to deliver the best of both species – the rapid establishment and palatability of forage rape, combined with the outstanding winter hardiness and yield of kale. Fast-growing, frost-tolerant, and highly palatable, Redstart is one of the UK's most trusted hybrid brassicas for extending the grazing season deep into winter.

Key Benefits

• Fast establishment – vigorous early growth closes summer and autumn feed gaps quickly
• Multiple grazing opportunities – strong regrowth allows repeated utilisation from a single sowing, depending on management
• Exceptional winter hardiness – very good frost and cold weather tolerance, with grazing potential through to late January
• High nutritional value – excellent energy and protein content supports stock condition and performance through winter
• Dual-purpose – suitable for both cattle and sheep across a range of systems
• Flexible sowing window – sow from spring through to midsummer to target summer, autumn, or winter grazing

Sowing Information

• Sowing rate: 3–4 kg per acre (7–10 kg/ha)
• Sowing time: April to July – earlier sowings target summer/autumn grazing; later sowings provide autumn/winter feed
• Sowing depth: 10–15 mm into a firm, fine, well-consolidated seedbed
• Ready to graze: approximately 10–12 weeks after sowing
• Soil type: performs well across a wide range of soil types; avoid waterlogged or compacted ground

Grazing Management

• Introduce stock gradually to avoid digestive issues – limit initial grazing to 2–3 hours per day
• Strip grazing is recommended to maximise utilisation and reduce waste
• Ensure stock have access to dry matter (hay/straw) alongside brassica grazing
• Do not graze when frosted or immediately after heavy rain

Suitable For

• Sheep – outwintering, store lamb finishing, ewe flushing, and hogget grazing
• Beef cattle – outwintering, store and finishing cattle, and buffer feeding
• Dairy – supplementary autumn and winter grazing

Available in 5 kg (1 acre) and 25 kg (5 acre) packs. Always follow best practice brassica grazing guidelines to protect stock health and maximise crop utilisation.