Growing Rutabaga, also Swedes

Brassica napus var.napobrassica : Brassicaceae / the mustard or cabbage family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
P P P P       P P      

(Best months for growing Rutabaga in South Africa - Summer rainfall regions)

  • P = Sow seed
  • Easy to grow. Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 7°C and 25°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 10 - 20 cm apart
  • Harvest in 10-14 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Peas, Beans, Chives
  • Avoid growing close to: Potatoes
  • Rutabaga harvest (commons.wikimedia.org - Seedambassadors - CC BY-SA 3.0)

Related to turnips. Round root vegetable with creamy white flesh and reddish purple leaves.

They take about 3 to 4 months to grow.

Grow where beans or peas have been grown the year before.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Rutabaga

Use when about the size of a tennis ball.
The leaves can be cooked like cabbage when young.

Your comments and tips

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for South Africa | for all countries
22 Sep 22, Sharon (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
Looking for swede seeds in Cape Town. Seeds for Africa unfortunately don’t have them anymore. Can anyone assist
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06 Nov 22, Rob Lawrence (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Hi Sharon i have some spare, just brought back from Scotland in Tableview Rob 0823375621
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20 May 13, Deirdre (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
I have heard it is grown in Capetown as fodder for cattle? I would love to get some have not had sucess growing them.
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21 Apr 13, ALAN HUNT (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Where can I obtain Swede (Rutabaga) seeds to grow? I have never seen this veg in South Africa.
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31 May 13, Elle (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
LOVE Swedes, just bought some from seeds for africa. You can buy them from their S.A website (.co.za) or the international.com site
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16 Aug 14, John (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Any luck with it in jhb west if where is the best place to buy small amount of seed
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