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

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.
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?
06 Jun 10, robert (Australia - temperate climate)
you have a form of afids on your leaves
Showing 41 - 46 of 46 comments

I enjoy eating swede and have never considered it a sweet type of vegetable. I love it cooked with potato and carrot and then mashed with milk and butter. I like it simply steamed. I think it is simply personal preference.

- Maureen

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