Swede
Often confused with turnips, swede (or rutabaga) is a larger, hardier, and sweeter root crop with a distinctive purple-green 'shoulder'. It’s an excellent winter vegetable, improving in flavour after a frost.
Swede seeds
£1.79 in the shop
Calendar
Sow
May – July, direct outdoors into well-prepared soil
Plant out
Thin seedlings to final spacing; transplanting is not recommended
Harvest
October – February, once roots have swelled (10-15cm / 4-6 inches in diameter)
Conditions
Sun
Full sun
Water
Consistent watering is crucial, especially during dry spells, to prevent bitterness and cracking
Soil
Fertile, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil, pH 6.0–7.0
Spacing
20-30cm between plants, 45-60cm between rows
Containers
Not ideal due to large root size and long growing period; requires very large, deep containers (at least 40cm depth)
Indoors
Not recommended; best direct-sown outdoors
Care and harvest
Feeding
A balanced feed can be applied if soil is poor; avoid excessive nitrogen
Pruning
None required
Harvesting
Loosen soil with a fork and gently lift. The flavour sweetens after a few frosts.
Storage
Excellent storage crop. Store in a cool, dark, frost-free place for several months, or leave in the ground and harvest as needed (protect with straw in harsh frosts).
Good companions: Peas, Beans, Onions