Research indicates that the optimum stage to swath is up to an average of 60% seed colour change (SCC) on the main stem. Delaying swathing of any canola variety up to this stage can typically improve yield and quality through increased seed size, reduced green seed and higher oil content, while avoiding economic shattering losses prior to or during swathing. This enables growers with large canola acreages to wait for at least 30% SCC to swath their first fields and still finish their last fields within the optimum swathing stage. Seed colour. It is more important than the exterior plant or pod colour when determining the stage of maturity. Visual plant or pod colour will vary among varieties and growing conditions. Some varieties can appear ripe on the outside before the seeds are mature. Hot and/or dry weather at ripening can increase this tendency.