Free Shipping When You Spend $50 or More

How to Grow Swede

Swedes go by a variety of different names, including neeps in Scotland, rutabaga in other parts of Europe and the United states and confusingly also Russian, Swedish or yellow turnips, though swedes are not turnips, although they're very closely related. Swedes tend to be larger than turnips, with a rounded shape, purple coloured tops and creamy yellow flesh (which distinguishes them from turnips, which have white flesh). Try roasting or mashing swedes or adding them to soups and casseroles. They have a sweet, cabbage like taste and are a great potato substitute.

Full sun

Regular watering

Deep, well-drained soil

Suitable for all climatic zones.

12 - 18 weeks (depending on variety)

From late summer in most areas, but check for your location

How to grow swede in a garden

Step 1

Choose a sunny spot in your garden with well-drained soil. Enrich with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser.

Step 2

Sow seed direct into rows. Cover lightly with Yates Seed Raising Mix and water well.

Step 3

Water regularly. Once seedlings emerge, thin seedlings to 10 cm apart. If plants are slow, give weekly side dressings of Yates Vegie and Herb Liquid Plant Food.

Step 4

Harvest roots while young and tender. Sow successive crops every 3-4 weeks to extend your harvest window.

How to grow swede in a pot

Step 1

Choose a pot at least 300 mm wide and deep. Fill with quality potting mix, such as Yates Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter. Place the pot in a sunny position.

Step 2

Sow seed direct, planting them in clumps of 2-3 seeds. Cover lightly with Yates Seed Raising Mix and water well.

Step 3

Water regularly. Once seedlings emerge, thin seedlings so that they are not overcrowded. Feed weekly with Yates Thrive Vegie and Herb Liquid Plant Food.

Step 4

Harvest roots while young and tender.

Yates varieties

Swede Champion Purple Top

$3.30

Growing tips

Acid soils (those where azaleas and camellias flourish) will also appreciate the addition of some Yates Hydrangea Pinking Liquid Lime & Dolomite, which will sweeten the soil (raise pH) to the swede's liking.
Provide plenty of water, particularly during warmer weather, to avoid the vegetable drying out.