How to Grow Swede: Tips, Facts, and Information

Swede, also known as rutabaga, is a hardy, cool-season root vegetable that’s easy to grow and perfect for winter dishes. With its sweet, earthy flavor and rich texture, swede can be used in soups, stews, roasting, mashing, or even raw in salads. Growing swedes is straightforward, as they thrive in cooler weather and are well-suited to most soil types. Here’s your guide to the top 20 swede varieties, along with essential growing tips, fascinating facts, and answers to common questions.

Top 20 Swede Varieties to Grow

1. Magres

Tips: Magres swede grows best in cool weather and rich, well-drained soil. Plant seeds in early spring or late summer for fall harvests.
Facts: Known for its smooth, round roots and mild flavor, Magres is perfect for mashing or roasting.

2. Wilhelmsburger

Tips: Wilhelmsburger prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Plant in late spring or early summer to allow it to mature in cooler fall weather.
Facts: This variety is known for its high yields and large, round roots with sweet, yellow flesh, perfect for stews and roasting.

3. Brora

Tips: Brora grows well in cool climates and fertile, well-drained soil. Plant seeds in spring or late summer for winter harvests.
Facts: Brora produces smooth-skinned roots with golden-yellow flesh and a sweet, mild flavor, ideal for winter soups and stews.

4. Joan

Tips: Joan swede thrives in cool weather and well-drained soil. Plant in late summer to harvest in the fall or early winter.
Facts: This reliable variety has smooth skin and rich, golden flesh with a sweet, earthy flavor, perfect for mashing or roasting.

5. Helenor

Tips: Helenor swede grows best in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Plant seeds in spring or late summer for a fall harvest.
Facts: Known for its uniform roots and mild flavor, Helenor is ideal for soups, roasting, or adding to stews.

6. Best of All

Tips: Plant Best of All swede in rich soil and full sun. Sow seeds in early summer for a fall and winter harvest.
Facts: This variety is highly regarded for its smooth, round roots and sweet, golden flesh, making it a favorite for traditional swede mash.

7. Gowrie

Tips: Gowrie swede thrives in cooler temperatures and well-drained soil. Plant in late spring for a fall harvest.
Facts: This Scottish variety has large, purple-topped roots with a sweet, creamy flavor. It’s excellent for both mashing and roasting.

8. Laurentian

Tips: Laurentian swede grows best in full sun and fertile soil. Plant seeds in late spring for a fall harvest, and water regularly to keep the soil moist.
Facts: Known for its large, globe-shaped roots and sweet, yellow flesh, Laurentian is a high-yielding variety ideal for soups and stews.

9. Champion

Tips: Champion swede prefers cool weather and rich, well-drained soil. Plant in early summer and water consistently to keep the soil moist.
Facts: This variety is known for its large, smooth roots and mild flavor, making it perfect for mashing or adding to casseroles.

10. Marian

Tips: Marian grows well in cool weather and prefers full sun and rich, fertile soil. Plant seeds in late spring or early summer for a fall harvest.
Facts: This variety produces smooth, golden-fleshed roots with a sweet flavor, ideal for roasting or mashing.

11. Purple Top Yellow

Tips: Purple Top Yellow swede thrives in cool climates and fertile, well-drained soil. Plant seeds in early summer for a fall harvest.
Facts: Known for its purple top and sweet, yellow flesh, this variety is perfect for adding to stews, soups, and casseroles.

12. American Purple Top

Tips: American Purple Top grows best in full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Sow seeds in late spring for a fall harvest.
Facts: This classic variety has large, round roots with a purple top and sweet, yellow flesh, making it ideal for roasting or mashing.

13. Nadmorska

Tips: Nadmorska grows well in cool weather and prefers full sun and rich, fertile soil. Plant seeds in late spring for fall harvesting.
Facts: This heirloom variety has large, smooth roots with sweet, golden flesh, perfect for soups, stews, or roasting.

14. Major Dunlop

Tips: Major Dunlop swede thrives in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Plant seeds in late summer for a winter harvest.
Facts: Known for its sweet, creamy flesh, this variety produces smooth-skinned roots that are perfect for mashing or adding to winter dishes.

15. Gilfeather

Tips: Gilfeather swede prefers cool temperatures and rich, moist soil. Plant seeds in late spring or early summer for a fall harvest.
Facts: This heirloom variety produces white-fleshed roots with a slightly sweet, earthy flavor, making it perfect for soups and purees.

16. Tweed

Tips: Tweed swede grows best in cool climates and well-drained soil. Plant seeds in late spring and water regularly for a successful harvest.
Facts: Known for its uniform, round roots with sweet, creamy flesh, Tweed is perfect for mashing, roasting, or adding to casseroles.

17. Invitation

Tips: Invitation grows best in cool weather and rich soil. Plant seeds in early summer for a fall and winter harvest.
Facts: This variety is known for its smooth, round roots and sweet, yellow flesh. It’s ideal for roasting or using in soups and stews.

18. Sweet Candle

Tips: Sweet Candle thrives in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Plant seeds in late spring for a fall harvest.
Facts: Known for its sweet flavor and tender flesh, Sweet Candle is perfect for roasting or adding to winter stews.

19. Ruby

Tips: Ruby swede grows best in cool weather and well-drained soil. Plant seeds in late spring or early summer for a fall harvest.
Facts: This variety produces smooth-skinned roots with a sweet, golden flesh, perfect for roasting or mashing.

20. Brassica Napobrassica

Tips: Plant Brassica Napobrassica in full sun and rich soil. Water consistently and plant seeds in late spring for a fall harvest.
Facts: This heirloom variety produces large, round roots with sweet, yellow flesh. It’s perfect for winter soups and stews.

Common Questions About Growing Swede

Q: When should I plant swede?
A: Swede is typically planted in late spring or early summer for a fall or winter harvest. In cooler climates, swede can also be planted in late summer for a late fall crop.

Q: Can I grow swede in containers?
A: Yes, swede can be grown in containers, but make sure the pots are at least 12-16 inches deep to accommodate the root growth. Ensure the container has good drainage and place it in a sunny spot.

Q: How long does swede take to grow?
A: Swede typically takes about 90-120 days to mature, depending on the variety and growing conditions. Harvest when the roots are about 4-6 inches in diameter.

Q: How do I know when my swede is ready to harvest?
A: Swede is ready to harvest when the roots are large enough to eat, typically when they are 4-6 inches in diameter. The top of the root should be visible above the soil, and the leaves will begin to turn yellow as the plant matures.

Q: How do I store swede after harvesting?
A: Swede can be stored in a cool, dry place for several months. For long-term storage, keep them in a root cellar or a cool garage at around 32-40°F. Alternatively, swede can be frozen or used in soups, stews, or mashed for winter meals.