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Growing Swedes, also Rutabagas

(Brassica napus var.napobrassica)

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
							P	P	P

(Best months for planting Swedes in USA - Zone 5a regions)

P = Plant direct in garden where they are to grow.

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 86°F. (Show °C/cm)
Space plants: 4 - 8 inches apart
Harvest in 10-14 weeks.
Compatible with: Peas, Beans, Chives
Avoid growing with: Potatoes

Member of turnip family Round root vegetable with creamy white flesh and reddish purple leaves.

They take about 3 to 4 months to grow.

Grow where beans or peas have been grown the year before.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Swedes

Use when about the size of a tennis ball.
The leaves can be cooked like cabbage when young.

Your comments and tips

20 May 13, Deirdre (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate): I have heard it is grown in Capetown as fodder for cattle? I would love to get some have not had sucess growing them.
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21 Apr 13, ALAN HUNT (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate): Where can I obtain Swede (Rutabaga) seeds to grow? I have never seen this veg in South Africa.
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08 Jan 12, Ron (Australia - temperate climate): Originally from Scotland 50 years ago, we always had mashed swede(neeps) with haggis and it is still one of my favorites.
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16 May 11, (Australia - temperate climate): Hi Tim. Try Derris dust on the leaves to kill off/ keep off the nasties! Make sure not to use for a few days before harvesting. And keep pets away from it. Rachel.
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25 Mar 11, Steve (Australia - temperate climate): You recommend harvesting when the swede is tennis ball size, in the UK we used to buy them the size of bowling balls. Any reason why you recommend harvesting when they are so small?
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20 Sep 10, Pam, Western Australia-Temperate (Australia - temperate climate): When in UK on holiday I found that swede seemed much sweeter than here. Anyone know what variety they are and if can grow or buy here (WA).
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07 Mar 12, David Allison (Australia - cool/mountain climate): A slight frost will sweeten swedes - experiment by putting a swede in your deep freeze for an hour or more (depends on the size of the swede)
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08 Oct 10, Tassy Michele (Australia - cool/mountain climate): Hiya Pam, I grew up eating swede and still love it. I think the sweetness is in the cooking. Mum used to peel and dice swede and put in pot in cold water, bring to boil and pour off water (it is often a brownish colour and bitter to taste). She would then cover in cold water and sprinkle a scant teaspoon of sugar on, and simmer until cooked. Mash and add a dob of butter ....... YUM. She cooked broad beans and brussel sprouts in the same way. Swede is also very nice oven baked as you would potato wedges. Try sweet potato, carrot and parsnip the same way .... even my young boys loved veg like this. Cheers
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10 Mar 10, Danny (Australia - temperate climate): Swede is my fav! My favorite way (Which is a bit naughty) Is to peel and cut into cubes. Melt butter in a saucepan put swede in. Pop on a lid and slowly and gently cook till swede is soft. then mash with salt and lots of pepper into a delicious creamy mash.Delicious on its own in a bowl or as a dip. Also swede in a big dahl or curry is delicious also.
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27 Sep 09, Jackie (Australia - cool/mountain climate): Thanks Phil and Diane, I will try both of these ideas.
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A slight frost will sweeten swedes - experiment by putting a swede in your deep freeze for an hour or more (depends on the size of the swede)

- David Allison

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.

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