General
Swede (rutabaga) is a hardy brassica grown for its sweet, dense roots. It thrives in cool conditions and tolerates light frost, which can improve flavor. Sow directly or start in modules for an earlier crop. Maintain steady growth—checks from drought or heat cause woody texture or bitterness. Choose clubroot-resistant varieties if soil history suggests risk, and rotate away from brassicas for 4–6 years. Keep soil evenly moist and firm for uniform, crack-free roots.
Light
Full sun to light partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sun is ideal.
Soil type
Deep, fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained loam. Avoid fresh manure. Work in mature compost; aim for a firm seedbed.
Water requirement
Consistent, even moisture; 20–25 mm per week. Do not let soil dry out during bulbing.
Nutrient requirement
Moderate feeder. Balanced nutrients with slightly higher potassium; adequate boron prevents hollow heart and browning.
Precultivation
Sow 1–2 seeds per module in early to mid spring (Apr–mid May). Depth 1–1.5 cm at 12–18°C. Thin to one strong seedling per cell. Grow cool and bright to prevent legginess. Harden off 7–10 days before planting. Transplants should have 3–4 true leaves (about 3–4 weeks old).
Planting
Direct sow 1–1.5 cm deep in rows 35–45 cm apart; thin to 10–15 cm between plants (wider spacing for larger roots). For transplants, set at the same depth as in the cell; firm soil around collars. Best planting when daytime temperatures are 8–18°C. Mulch after establishment to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Target pH 6.5–7.2 in clubroot-prone soils; add lime if needed.
Pruning
No pruning. Thin seedlings promptly and remove yellowing outer leaves to improve airflow. Avoid damaging the root crown.
Maintenance
- Water: Keep soil evenly moist; mulch to reduce fluctuations. Drip irrigation is ideal.
- Feeding: Incorporate compost before sowing/planting. Side-dress with a balanced organic fertilizer or compost tea when roots begin to swell (mid–late June). Avoid excess nitrogen which promotes leafy growth and can reduce root quality.
- Protection: Use fine mesh insect net from emergence to prevent cabbage root fly and flea beetles. Hoe lightly and keep bed weed-free.
- Micronutrients: Ensure boron availability; boron deficiency causes brown, corky or hollow centers. Apply a seaweed feed or boron-containing organic micronutrient if deficiency is known (do not overapply).
Harvest
Harvest typically 90–120 days from sowing when roots are 8–12 cm across. Lift carefully with a fork to avoid damage. Flavor improves after light frosts. For storage: twist off foliage, leaving 1–2 cm of stem; cure briefly in a cool, shaded place, then store at 0–2°C with high humidity (90–95%). Check periodically and remove any damaged roots.
Common issues
- Clubroot: Swollen, distorted roots; stunting. Prevention: pH 7.0–7.3, long rotation, good drainage, resistant varieties, hygiene.
- Cabbage root fly: Wilting and poor growth. Prevent with insect net, collars, and firm soil.
- Flea beetles: Shot-holes in leaves; use mesh, sticky traps, and keep plants well-watered.
- Caterpillars (cabbage moth/butterfly): Inspect and hand-pick; Bacillus thuringiensis as organic control under netting.
- Boron deficiency: Hollow/brown centers; apply micronutrients judiciously.
- Cracking/woody roots: Irregular watering or over-maturity; harvest on time and maintain even moisture.
Rotation schedule
Rotate brassicas on a 4–6 year cycle. Do not grow after cabbage, kale, broccoli, mustard, radish, or turnip. Follow swede with legumes or alliums. Precede swede with well-composted, non-manured crops to avoid excess nitrogen.
Pollination
Biennial, cross-pollinated by insects when flowering in year two; pollination not needed for root production.
Companion plants
Dill, chamomile, onions, garlic, leeks, peas, beans, calendula, nasturtium, marigold.
Incompatible plants
Other brassicas and mustards (disease and pest buildup), do not follow or precede brassicas; avoid close proximity to strawberries.
