Growing Rutabaga, also Swedes

Brassica napus var.napobrassica : Brassicaceae / the mustard or cabbage family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
            P P        

(Best months for growing Rutabaga in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • P = Sow seed
  • Easy to grow. Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 45°F and 77°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 4 - 8 inches apart
  • Harvest in 10-14 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Peas, Beans, Chives
  • Avoid growing close to: Potatoes

Your comments and tips

29 Jun 19, Lee (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
In short, it’d either not work at all, or it would. The problem is the temperatures/humidity you describe would make germination non-existent, or incredibly rapid. We have similar conditions at the end of summer when we have to sow our swedes. You’d have to shade them from the sun/light, and water them very carefully. What happens in that kind of heat is they sprout within two or three days, and then if they get direct sunlight, they wilt and die. The little seedlings cant take the heat, there’s not enough moisture in the top layer of soil for the tiny roots, and often the bulbs wont form even if they survive. But having said that, there is more to growing than the weather. Location is also a big factor. In Europe they say it takes up to 6months to harvest, and they grow some whoppers. I grow mine as singles in 3L containers and start harvesting from 3 to 4 months.
04 Mar 18, Scott (Australia - temperate climate)
can I grow sweedes next to or near cauliflower??
05 Mar 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
There is nothing here that says you can't grow swedes and silver beet next to caulies.
05 Mar 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
My advice would be not to grow sliver beet and swede too close to cauliflower - the reason the cauliflower could produce a big leaf area and smoother the other two crops. My broccoli plants usually end up 3-4' across and 2.5-3' high. Crowds out other plants if too close.
29 Sep 17, Daryl Pungitore (Australia - temperate climate)
How are swedes preserved? I dont really want to freeze them. Any ideas?
02 Oct 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I found this on the web. I also store carrots, beetroot and swedes in my ‘cushion’ boxes.  It is easy to store them and very convenient to pop outside to get something to prepare for dinner.  I lift the vegetables and twist off the tops and then put them into a wooden box on top of a layer of compost (you can use sand for this too).  I make sure the vegetables aren’t touching and then I cover them with compost.  This way they store beautifully over the winter. Done in a very cold place though.
02 Oct 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Probably best to just keep in the fridge.
23 May 17, Maureen (Australia - temperate climate)
I enjoy eating swede and have never considered it a sweet type of vegetable. I love it cooked with potato and carrot and then mashed with milk and butter. I like it simply steamed. I think it is simply personal preference.
24 May 17, Jack (Australia - temperate climate)
I love swedes as well. We eat them as you suggested and also 'julienne' them on a V slicer and add them to creamed corn after they are cooked. Kids like them that way too.
21 Apr 17, Brian Hargiss (USA - Zone 7a climate)
Where and when is the best place to plant rutabagas in northwest Arkansas? Thank you very much
Showing 21 - 30 of 67 comments

Root crops such as swedes, carrots, etc, do not need a lot of nitrogen; which would be present in the manure. Nitrogen in root crops causes excessive top growth at the expense of the roots. After you have freshly manured your soil it is better to start off with a leaf crop such as lettuce, cabbge, etc. Follow this with a fruiting crop such as tomatoes, beans, zucchini, etc. the soil will then be ideal for root crops such as swedes, carrots, parsnip, etc. If that is the problem; all is not lost, look after them and you will get some sort of root and the tops can be used in soup or stir fries. Trust this helps

- John

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