The number of pods per plant and the number of seeds per pod are the most variable yield components in winter oilseed rape (WOSR). Both the number of ovules per pod and the potential for the ovule to develop into a mature seed may depend on pod position in the plant architecture and time of appear- ance. The complex developmental pattern of WOSR makes it difficult to analyse. The objectives of this study were to investigate the variability of the following yield components (a) ovules/pod, (b) seeds/pod, and (c) pods/axis in relation to two explanatory variables. These two variables include (1) flower and inflorescence position and (2) time of pod appearance, linked to the effect of assimilate availability.