Project list
Sign in to your account
With project lists you can...
Please sign in or create an account to use Project Lists
Name: swede, Swedish turnip, rutabaga, neeps (Brassica napus var. napobrassica).
Height: 30–40cm.
Plant type: annual root vegetable.
Foliage: large, wavy and green leaves.
Climate: suitable for all climates.
Soil: deep, well-drained soil enriched with well-composted manure.
Position: full sun.
Flowering and fruiting: spikes with small yellow flowers that are not typically seen, as plants are harvested before they flower.
Feeding: not required.
Watering: water regularly to keep the soil moist.
Swedes are cool season vegies with a long growing window, taking 12–18 weeks to mature. Despite this, they are fairly undemanding, save for regular watering.
The edible swollen ‘root’ is actually an enlarged, bulbous stem with rough skin that’s creamy white and partly purple. As plants develop and grow, the ‘root’ becomes more exposed, so it appears to sit on or near the soil surface when ready.
The large waxy, grey-green leaves are reminiscent of those of a cabbage – they belong to the same family – and emerge from a distinct neck on top of the swollen ‘root’.
Swedes have a smooth, creamy texture with a savoury aftertaste. They work wonderfully as a potato substitute and can be stir-fried, roasted, pureed, steamed, braised or thrown into soups.
Swedes should be sown during the cooler months. In cool and warm temperate climates, sow seeds from late summer, and from mid-autumn in sub-tropical and tropical zones. Choose a position in full sun with well-drained soil. Loosen the soil and improve with blood and bone or well-aged cow manure. Seeds can be sown direct in garden beds or pots, or raised indoors in a seedling tray, ready for planting when conditions are cooler.
Sow seeds in a 1cm-deep furrow, lightly cover and gently water. Once seedlings appear, thin out to allow 15–20cm spacing between each plant. Plant excess seedlings elsewhere in the garden.
Swedes are easy-to-grow, hardy plants. Regular weeding and watering and a light feed during the season will keep them happy.
Water regularly as needed to keep the soil moist. This may mean only every 2–3 days, especially as the weather is cooler. Spread a layer of organic mulch over the soil to help conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Feeding isn’t necessary, especially if the soil has been improved with organic matter prior to planting. However, a light application of an organic pelletised fertiliser halfway through the growing season can help with growth and flavour development.
Swedes are ready to harvest in 12–18 weeks. They can be harvested earlier, but it’s best to wait until frost or the coldest days have passed before picking, as this can help sweeten the flavour. Only harvest as required – swedes keep better in the ground than they do in the fridge.
There are a few leaf-eating pests that trouble swedes – flea beetles, snails and slugs and caterpillars can occasionally be found munching on the foliage. Swedes are unperturbed by their presence, but if control is necessary use suitable baits or sprays.
Swedes are best grown from seed.
After applying fertiliser, delay harvesting for a few days and rinse well before cooking and eating. If using products to deal with pests, diseases or weeds, always read the label, follow the instructions carefully and wear suitable protective equipment. Store all garden chemicals out of the reach of children and pets.
Fennel: a beautiful, aniseed flavoured vegie that is ideal for salads and roasts.
Parsnip: with its starchy, earthy-flavoured taproot it's considered to be one of the best tasting root vegies.
Sweet potato: a delightfully sweet, starchy root vegetable that needs room to grow.
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
