Family: Brassicaceae
Binomial name: Brassica napus var. napobrassica
Life Cycle: Biennial (usually grown as an annual)
Swede is a cool season crop. Use the table below to identify the best time of year to sow swede in your climate.
JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cool | ||||||||||||
Temperate | ||||||||||||
Sub-Tropical | ||||||||||||
Tropical | ||||||||||||
Arid |
Swede plants are best grown in full sun or part shade. Choose a location that will receive at least 3 hours of full sun each day.
Swede plants need a loose, well drained soil enriched with organic matter. Prepare soil by weeding it thoroughly, digging it over to at least a spade’s depth to loosen the soil, and adding aged animal manure or compost. Organic matter can be dug into heavy soil to lighten it so roots can grow freely. Keep the area free of weeds until planting.
Swede seeds do not require any treatment (eg soaking, stratification) before sowing.
Swede seeds can be sown directly into the garden OR seedlings can be raised in trays or other containers and transplanted to the garden once established.
Swede plants need regular watering during the growing season. Water when the soil is dry about 5cm below the surface (test this by scratching away a little soil with your finger). Water deeply in the early morning or late afternoon. Avoid watering the leaves of plants to avoid fungal diseases. Learn more about watering here.
If soil was well prepared no extra fertiliser should be necessary. Fertilising can result in excessive leaf growth at the expense of roots forming. In poor soil use a fertiliser low in nitrogen and high in phosphorus, such as blood and bone, applied at the recommended rate.
Swedes should be ready to harvest in approximately 80-100 days.
Roots are ready to harvest when they are large enough to eat, and can be harvested as needed. Harvest individual roots by gently pulling at the base of the leaves, or use a garden fork to lift multiple roots from the soil. Shake off any excess soil and cut the foliage 1-2cm above the top of the root. Store swedes in a perforated plastic bag in the fridge. For longer term storage, swedes can be canned or fermented.
Like all plants, swede is susceptible to some pests, diseases and other problems. Below is a list of the most common problems gardeners encounter when growing swede plants: