Brassica napus Napobrassica Group

RHS Plant Profile
rutabaga

Other common names

swede, swedish turnip

Synonyms

Brassica napobrassica

Annual Biennial

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

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1 year
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical 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

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