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

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.
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).
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)
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
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.
27 Sep 09, Jackie (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Thanks Phil and Diane, I will try both of these ideas.
02 Sep 09, Diane (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Peel and slice swede into 2cm thick slices and gently fry them in a little oil until browned on both sides. Absolutely yummy as a replacement for potato.
27 Jul 09, Phil (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Mash it up and mix with carrot as you would do mashed potato. It is great with a roast. Add real butter when mashing for better results.
19 Jul 09, Jackie (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
This year is the first time I have ever grown swedes and I have a huge crop. Anyone have some good recipes? I have only ever steamed them and mashed with butter salt & pepper.
04 May 09, Tim (Australia - temperate climate)
The leaves of my swede have been drooping and shrivelling up. There looks like a grey ash on the leaves and I think it's some kind of mite. Anyone else seen this?
Showing 61 - 70 of 71 comments

Ask a question or post a comment or advice about Rutabaga

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.