Swede

Overview

Swede - Brassica campestris cv. rutabaga               Rotation group - Brassicas

At one time Swedes used to be known as Swedish turnips. They are much hardier than turnips and this makes them a popular choice of vegetable for growing in colder, more northern regions. Surprisingly, although they are much larger than turnips they are sweeter tasting and have excellent storage qualities.  Swedes need plenty of free air movement around them to grow well. They prefer to be grown in open field conditions rather than in an enclosed environment and require a fertile, moisture retentive soil with a pH of around 6.7.

How to grow

Sow

Swedes are grown from seed. The seed is sown thinly in 12mm / ½ ins deep drills with 45cms / 18 ins between the rows. Swedes are slower growing than turnip, therefore sow the seed during May in the northern regions and in June for the southern regions.  By using these sowing dates it should help the swede plants to avoid a late attack of mildew.

Growing on

Thin the seedlings to 30cms / 12 ins apart at the first rough leaf stage. Water the rows of seedlings the day before and immediately after thinning to settle the plants.

Aftercare

Keep the plants well watered at every stage of their development. Water the plants occasionally with liquid seaweed. Hoe regularly between the plants to control weeds and to create a dust mulch.

How to Harvest

Harvesting

If they are wanted, swedes can be harvested from October onwards but their main asset is their storage qualities. They can be lifted using a garden fork, shaking some of the soil off the roots and rimming off the leaves just above the top of the root. Store the roots in boxes of damp sand or old used potting compost. In milder regions it is sometimes possible to leave them in the ground until required but the prevailing winter weather conditions must be taken into consideration if doing this.

Issues

Pests and diseases

Flea beetle is a problem with the young seedlings especially in dry conditions. Water along the rows in the evenings to create a humid atmosphere around the developing seedlings.

Swedes can suffer from Brown Heart a condition where the core of the plants turn brown and look “glassy” this is caused because of a boron deficiency in the soil.  Boron deficiency is treatable but always get and accurate soil analysis before beginning any remedial treatment. It is more of a problem in soils that have a naturally high pH and in these cases it may not be treatable.

Swedes are members of the Brassica family and can suffer from club root. Always incorporate them into a rotation system. There are club root resistant cultivars available but still use them within the rotation system.