Planting methods affect emergence, flowering and yield of spring oilseed crops in the U.S. central High Plains

•Seeding with hoe drill improved emergence ratings and accelerated flowering.•Canola had better stands than Indian mustard and Camelina.•Oilseed yields limited by available water or heat stress, best yield 2180kgha−1.•Adaptive traits: heat tolerance during flowering, increased harvest index and oil %.