Swede F1 Tweed (Graded) 

A British-bred F1 hybrid swede, early maturing and vigorous variety, growing particularly well in less fertile soils. The globe-shaped roots have attractive purple shoulders, an excellent cream coloured flesh of a fine texture and flavour. Excellent disease resistance including club root. 

 

Swede, an abbreviation for Swedish turnip, is extremely hardy, and grows well in cool, moist climates - it’s the perfect winter vegetable. Swedes need a constant supply of moisture to grow well and are happy in heavier soils. Try swede mashed with pepper or nutmeg and a little cream, it is absolutely delicious. 

 

 

 

Sow in an open, sunny site on moist, free draining soil that is very fertile and which, ideally, has benefitted from manure or garden compost as well as fertiliser containing trace elements, such as Vitax Q4. 

 

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. Plant plugs out when the roots fill the cells. 

 

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. 

 

Water during dry periods but try to keep the soil evenly moist to prevent cracking and corky growth. Dryness at the roots can also lead to a bitter taste. 

 

Lift roots from September to November once large enough to use, or leave in the ground until Christmas. Cover with straw or bracken before the onset of cold weather. In cold regions store in containers of soil or potting medium in sheds or garages.