How to grow swede

This is my third column on edible plants I don’t actually grow myself. The swede sits between celeriac, which I loathe, and sweetcorn, which I love—I'd describe it as "fine". Late spring to early summer is the right time to sow swede seeds; any earlier and they are liable to bolt.

When the soil has been well mulched with compost and is fine enough for direct sowing, seeds can go straight into the ground. If you prefer modular trays, plant seedlings out as soon as they are large enough to handle, because swedes develop a tap root that does not respond kindly to late disturbance.

Give plants about 20cm spacing—swedes grow to roughly the size of a grapefruit, and some varieties will swell larger without becoming woody. Water generously in the early stages and during dry spells so they fill out properly; hot weather can stress the plants, affect quality and prompt bolting.

swede, sowing, seeds, late spring, early summer, mulch, compost, tap root, seedlings, spacing