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Vegetable
Swede

Swedes in Beaconhill Grange

Brassica napus subsp. napobrassica

A hardy root crop for the UK, swedes do best in firm, fertile soil that has been well dug and cleared of stones. Sow outdoors in late spring to early summer, thin carefully, and keep the plants covered with fine mesh to reduce cabbage root fly damage. Lift roots from autumn onwards, and leave some in the ground where the soil drains well for harvests through winter.

Height40cm
SunlightFull Sun
WaterModerate Water

Growing Guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Swede

Planting Calendar

Seed DirectLater
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
HarvestLater
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
MaintenanceNow
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

  1. Prepare the Bed

    25 Apr – 9 May

    Dig the soil deeply and remove stones, then rake it to a fine, even finish for 25th April - 9th May. Do not add fresh manure, as it can make roots fork and split.

  2. Sow Seeds

    2 May – 6 Jun
    every 3 weeks

    Sow seeds thinly in shallow drills around 2nd May - 6th June, then water the row in well. Keep the soil moist while seedlings establish, and sow a second short row 21 days later if you want a longer harvest period.

  3. Protect from Pests

    2 May – 6 Jun

    Cover the bed with fine insect-proof mesh from 2nd May straight after sowing. Seal the edges well to keep out cabbage root fly and remove the cover only for weeding or thinning.

  4. Thin Seedlings

    9 Jun – 16 Jun

    From 9th June - 16th June, thin seedlings gradually to the final spacing so the roots can swell properly. Water the bed first, then remove the weakest plants with a small pull rather than disturbing the rest.

  5. Water and Weed

    16 Jun – 9 Oct
    every 2 weeks

    From 16th June to 9th October, keep the bed evenly moist in dry spells and hoe off weeds before they compete with the crop. Check the mesh stays tight after rain and wind, and water at the base rather than over the foliage.

  6. Harvest Roots

    16 Sept – 6 Feb

    Lift roots from 16th September once they are a good size, then keep harvesting through 6th February. In light, free-draining soil you can leave some in the ground and take them as needed, but lift them before the roots become coarse.

Companion Plants

Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Swede.

Good companions

Plants to avoid

Why companion planting matters

Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.

Suggested Varieties

Popular varieties of Swede to consider

Joan

A reliable modern swede with good-sized, round roots and steady autumn cropping.

Best of All

An old favourite with good flavour and dependable roots for the kitchen garden.

Marian

A hardy, well-fleshed variety suited to UK conditions and winter harvesting.

Also in nearby towns

See how Swede timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.