Sowing and Growing Swede
Swedes are one of the so-called 'forgotten' vegetables but are increasingly offered again these days. They resemble turnips, but the taste and cultivation methods are different. Swedes are soft, aromatic and taste somewhat sweet. The bigger the swede, the more flavour. It is a real winter vegetable whose young leaves are also edible.
Growing your own swede from seeds
Swedes, also called rutabaga or neeps, are a delicious winter vegetable that can be harvested until December, depending on the weather. Ideal if you want to eat fresh from your own garden for a longer period of the year. It is a root vegetable. Swedes are a variety of cabbage that form a somewhat thicker tuber. It is a very old crop and is also known as the people's food in times of need. During the famine winter of World War II, swede was the main source of food along with Jerusalem artichoke. This is probably why it now belongs to the forgotten vegetables, as it was not popular afterwards.
Sowing and planting swede
It is best to start sowing in early June. You can choose to pre-sow in a seedbed and transplant later, or sow directly in the right spot and thin out after a while.
The distance between plants should be about 40 cm.
Position and soil for sowing swede
The ideal location is in the sun or semi-shade. Swedes have no special soil requirements. However, although the plant will grow on any soil, a humus-rich or loamy soil is preferable. These turnips keep better than those grown on sandy soil. However, the soil should be well-drained.
How to care of your swede plants
Swedes require little care. Regular watering is sufficient.
When and how to harvest swede?
The leaves of the turnip can be harvested when they are about 25 cm long. Cut off only the outer leaves, leaving the plant enough to develop the root. The swede can withstand cold well, even a few degrees below zero. Do harvest before a severe frost sets in. The harvest is usually from October to December.
How to preserve swede
In a cool, dark place, rutabaga will keep for several weeks. Once chopped, it can be kept in the fridge for several days. You can also freeze rutabaga. Blanch it first.
Is swede healthy?
Swede, or Rutabaga, is a healthy winter vegetable, which also comes fresh from the land in winter. It contains many different minerals and vitamins. Especially a lot of vitamins C and B11.
Swede seeds in our collection
In our assortment we have different varieties of rutabaga seeds, including organic seeds
Tips to grow swede
- Swedes are often boiled, but are also great stewed, roasted, stir-fried or deep-fried.
- Always peel before use and also remove the tough, woody top part. These parts are inedible as they are tough.
- Do not sow too early to avoid woody tubers.
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