Winter canola (Brassica napus) has the potential to allow for the introduction of a broadleaf crop into the dryland of crop rotations in Kansas and the southern Great Plains region.  Crop rotations traditionally consist almost exclusively of grass crops and attempts to introduce summer broadleaf crops have had mixed success for variety of reasons.  The advantages that winter canola possesses include lower input costs compared to other broadleaf crops in the region; the same equipment used for solid seeded crops may be used; winter canola facilitates the return to traditional fall planted crops such as wheat.  With the introduction of more winter hardy, drought tolerant varieties, the most critical factor in winter canola production becomes planting date.  Planting date is critical since if planted too early or late in the fall, canola is sensitive to winter kill.  Planting too early results in excessive growth and may result in elevation of the growing point above the soil surface.  Planting too late results in insufficient top growth.  Both scenarios leave the crop vulnerable to winterkill.  This research demonstrates a range of acceptable planting dates based upon location and elevation.