How to grow Swede (Ruby)

Brassica napus var. napobrassica

🥕 Vegetable 🌱 Grown each year

Purple-skinned, sweet, golden-fleshed roots for mash and stews through winter. Very hardy.

At a glance: Sow late April to mid June, harvest from early October.

When to sow, plant and harvest

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Sow outdoors

Harvest

Timed for a typical UK garden (last frost mid-April). The app uses your own town's frost dates.

Late April – mid June · 2 weeks after the last spring frost
Sow Seeds Outdoors
Sow thinly in drills where they are to grow.
7–14 days after “Sow Seeds Outdoors” · Early May – mid May
Check Germination
Seedlings should appear in 7–14 days. If sown outdoors, thin to 25 cm apart when big enough to handle.
21–35 days after “Check Germination” · Late May – early June
Weed and Water
Hoe off weeds between rows and water in dry spells — even moisture gives better crops.
Early October – mid February · 2 weeks before the first autumn frost
Start Harvesting
Lift from autumn as needed; they stand in the ground through winter.
90–120 days after “Start Harvesting” · Early January – early February
Finish and Clear
Clear the remains to the compost heap once cropping ends.