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 (3/4in) deep in rows 38cm (15in apart, and thin to 23cm (9in) apart.
They can be sown in plug plant modules, filled with multipurpose compost. Plant 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. Dyness 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.
‘Magres’ AGM: Has full-flavoured yellow flesh and is mildew resistant.
‘Marian’: Purple with yellow flesh and a nutty flavour. Powdery mildew and clubroot resistant.
‘Angela’: This is well flavoured and resistant to powdery mildew.
'Wilhelmsburger': This boasts a creamy, golden flesh covered with a green skin. It keeps well and is resistant to clubroot.
Powdery mildew: White powdery deposit over the leaf surface, leaves become stunted and shrivel.
Remedy: Keep the soil moist, grow in cool locations, spray using plant and fish oils or sulphur-based controls. Some cultivars have some resistance.
Find out more about powdery mildew:
Club root: Roots become swollen and distorted, leaves become pale and yellow and wilt easily. Plants droop in hot weather and may die.
Remedy: Some cultivars have some resistance. Improve drainage; add lime to make soil more alkaline; remove and burn all infected plants immediately; and avoid moving soil around on your boots and tools. Do not grow in affected soil.
Find out more about club root