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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for USA | for all countries
23 Jul 13, kenneth Griffiths (United Kingdom - cool/temperate climate)
Boil swede and carrot, mash together add pepper and vinegar to taste and serve as a veg with any roast dinner. Particularly good with roast beef.
Reply or Post a new comment
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.
Reply or Post a new comment
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.
Reply or Post a new comment
31 May 13, Elle (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
LOVE Swedes, just bought some from seeds for africa. You can buy them from their S.A website (.co.za) or the international.com site
Reply or Post a new comment
16 Aug 14, John (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Any luck with it in jhb west if where is the best place to buy small amount of seed
Reply or Post a new comment
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.
Reply or Post a new comment
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.
Reply or Post a new comment
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?
Reply or Post a new comment
06 Oct 14, Chris (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
When they get large they can get very fibrous and tough - good cattle feed, but not so good for the rest of us.
Reply or Post a new comment
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).
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 51 - 60 of 69 comments
See comments for all plants

live in south australia and cannot find swede seeds anywhere. any advice. thankyou.

- paul merrett

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.