How long do Swedes take to grow?

How long do Swedes take to grow?

They are a long term crop, taking up to six months to mature. Keep the soil moist and weed free thoroughout. Thin out the seedlings when large enough to handle, leaving plants 23cm (9in) apart.

How long do Swedes last?

Swedes will keep for up to 6 months if stored correctly.

Can you eat the leaves of Swedes?

Swedes are grown in most cases purely for the tasty edible roots but it's also possible to leave the root in the ground and eat the green leaves which will appear in the spring. Just cook them as you would for spring greens. There are three types of swede and they are known as green tops, bronze tops and purple tops.

How far apart do you plant Swedes?

Swedes need a firm seed bed. Sow from early May in the north to mid June in the south. Sow 2cm (¾in) deep in rows 38cm (15in) apart, and thin to 23cm (9in) apart. They can be sown as plugs, in plant modules filled with multipurpose compost.

What do Swedes look like when growing?

The leaves are big and wavy, like turnips, but have a smooth surface with bluish bloom like cabbage. … Swede growth slows as the days become short, and the oldest leaves often shrivel and may be cut away. The roots will push up as they gain size, and garden-grown swedes tend to be more top-shaped than round.

When can I plant Swedes?

The best time to sow swede in most areas is mid May to mid June but if your area is warm postpone sowing to mid July.

How do you store Swedes?

Storage. In a cool, slightly damp place out of direct sunlight (like a root cellar if you're lucky enough to have one, or a box of slightly moist sand if you're not) unwashed swedes will keep for several months. Avoid putting the 'roots' in the fridge, but the greens will chill for a couple of days.

How do Swedes grow?

To start swedes off, direct sow the seed outdoors in the garden, preferably in a well-worked, well-fertilised soil that is high in organic matter. Sow seeds 1cm deep in rows about 40cm apart, leaving 4 to 5cm between seeds. After germination, gradually thin the seedlings to leave 15 to 20cm between each one.

Can you eat rutabaga greens?

Although vegetable gardeners commonly grow rutabagas for the golden root bulbs that ripen in fall, the green leafy tops are edible as well. … Similar to turnip greens, to which they are closely related, rutabaga greens also have characteristics in common with cabbage, another near relative.

What do Swede seedlings look like?

The leaves are big and wavy, like turnips, but have a smooth surface with bluish bloom like cabbage. Some people find young swede leaves quite palatable, but if you are looking for super nutrition from swedes, sprouts are the way to go. … The best swedes are harvested from cool soil after autumn leaves start to fall.

What can I plant with Swede?

napobrassica) include rutabagas, winter turnips, yellow turnips, Swedish turnips, Russian turnips, Canadian turnips, and neeps. By any name, they are a top storage crop to grow in the autumn garden. Midsummer is the best time to plant swedes, which need 10 to 12 weeks of growing time before the first autumn frost.

Can Swede seedlings be transplanted?

Swedes can also be started as transplants by sowing seeds in module trays divided into small cells. … Keep the trays outdoors, and transplant when the seedlings have two to three true leaves. Swede seedlings in module tray. Once the crop is growing, all you have to do is weed, water and watch out for pests (see below).

Is Swede a root vegetable?

Also known as rutabaga, or 'neeps' in Scotland, swede is a root vegetable similar to the turnip, although it is less watery in texture. Purplish on the outside, it has sweet-tasting yellow or white flesh and can be cooked in much the same way as other root vegetables such as potatoes.

Does Swede grow underground?

As the name implies, swede originated from Sweden and they are related to the turnip. They are also known as rutabagas. Swedes are grown in most cases purely for the tasty edible roots but it's also possible to leave the root in the ground and eat the green leaves which will appear in the spring.

What is a good companion plant for cabbage?

In the spring, sow carrot seeds in fertile, well-worked soil about two weeks before your last frost date. In cool climates, continue planting every three weeks until midsummer. In summer, begin sowing seeds for fall and winter carrots 10 to 12 weeks before your average first fall frost.

When should you sow turnips?

These top scraps regrow tasty leaves for fresh salads or sautés. Cut off the top, but leave 1/2 inch of the beet or turnip attached. Place the scrap in shallow water, cut side down and leaf end up, and fresh greens will soon appear.

What is eating my Swede leaves?

Some species of flea beetle feed on the leaves of all brassicas and related plants, such as rocket, radish, swede and turnip. The result is a peppering of holes that looks unsightly, particularly on salad leaves.

Is a Swede a Brassica?

Swede belongs to the brassica family of vegetables (cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts etc) which always surprises me because it's the root we eat unlike the leaves on most other brassicas. For those who haven't grown swede before, you sow one seed and it gives you one swede.

Can you grow turnips in a greenhouse?

Spinach, kale, cabbage, bok choy, Chinese cabbage, and most root crops. Leeks, beets, carrots, turnips, parsnips, radishes, and rutabagas and some varieties of onion can be grown through Winter in a greenhouse and you'll get a much earlier crop than if you'd waited till spring.

How long do turnips take to grow?

Depending on the climate and temperature it takes turnips around 60 days to grow. You can pull them from the ground after 30 days but they will be very small – 1″ to 2″ in diameter.

How do you grow vegetables from scraps?

Just cut off the plant's base, which you normally wouldn't eat, so you have a piece about 1 inch tall. Place it cut side up in a shallow saucer, and then add 1/2 inch of water. Refresh the water regularly, and get ready for harvestable greens. Leafy scraps will grow in water on a sunny indoor windowsill year-round.

Why do turnips bolt?

Bolting is generally caused by stress which can take the form of too little watering or poor soil. Bolting of turnips is common when the soil is void of nutrients, a problem that can be easily prevented with a little work prior to planning. … Other reasons why turnips go to seed include too many days of very hot weather.

How far apart should carrots be planted?

Thin to 1 inch apart when the tops are 2 inches high, and be thorough, because crowded carrots will produce crooked roots. Thin again 2 weeks later to 3 to 4 inches apart.

What does turnip look like?

Turnips are usually white-fleshed with white or white and purple skin. Rutabagas usually have yellow flesh and a purple- tinged yellow skin, and they're bigger than turnips. … Turnips tend to get woody as they grow, so look for ones that are less than 4 inches in diameter.

How do you store Swede once cut?

Storage. In a cool, slightly damp place out of direct sunlight (like a root cellar if you're lucky enough to have one, or a box of slightly moist sand if you're not) unwashed swedes will keep for several months. Avoid putting the 'roots' in the fridge, but the greens will chill for a couple of days.

Can I freeze Swede?

Remove the turnips from the oven and let them cool in the pan. Put the pan in the freezer for about 2 hours, or until the turnips are frozen. Transfer the frozen ​roasted turnips to freezer bags. Label the bags including the date and freeze for up to 3 months.