Brassica napus Napobrassica Group
rutabaga
Selected for its round, swollen roots/stem, this cultivated group originates from a wild plant ancestor - a cross between cabbage and turnip. It is commonly known and eaten as swede or rutabaga. Swedes are usually purple at the top and cream-yellow beneath ground. Smooth, green leaves form a tight, rosette-like bunch. The roots store well in winter and when cooked, they have sweet, nutty flavour. If left growing into the second year, the plant will produce yellow, mustard-like flowers. Various named cultivars are available, varing in size, shape and colour
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Green | |||
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter | Cream Purple | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Brassicaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Tufted, Columnar upright
- Genus
Brassicas can be annual, biennial or perennial plants, most are upright with alternate, often glaucous leaves, long taproots and clusters of cross-shaped, yellow or white flowers. The genus includes a number of species bred to produce food crops, such as cabbages, turnips, mustards and oilseed rape, as well as others grown for their ornamental value
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in full sun in firm, fertile soil - including coastal regions. For more advice see swede cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
Suggested planting locations and garden types
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to flea beetle when young, caterpillars of small white butterflies, cabbage root fly, pigeons and mealy cabbage aphid
Diseases
May be susceptible to brassica downy mildew and brassica white blister. In areas where brassicas have been grown before, club root can build up in the soil
Get involved
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