Is swede a root crop or brassica

**vicky** · 25-09-2009, 01:04 PM

I've always thought a brassica. I don't think it's the root you eat but a bit of swollen stem (sounds appetizing!)

**Snadger** · 25-09-2009, 01:07 PM

Deffo 100% brassica!

And as such could be affected by clubroot,cabbage root fly,cabbage white caterpillars,cutworm,mildew and the miriad of other brassica pests and diseases!

(I still always grow some though!)

**bluemoon** · 25-09-2009, 02:42 PM

I treat it as a brassica in my rotation, but lots of people seem to treat it as a root, even some books list it as a root crop. It has the advantage of being lifted and out of the way earlyish, so spring cabbages can be planted close by then benefit from the extra room when it's gone.

**Two_Sheds** · 25-09-2009, 03:13 PM

Originally posted by marathon View Post

Never do that well with swede and wonder if it's because i plant it with my root crops.

Prolly nowt to do with that.
I can't grow swedes either - it's because I have dry sandy soil.

**zazen999** · 25-09-2009, 03:16 PM

What yer want for swedes is some nice thick clay.

**piskieinboots** · 25-09-2009, 03:38 PM

Originally posted by zazen999 View Post

... is some nice thick clay.

and Patrick Swayze to help you model it mmmmmm

oh yes, and it's brassica

**Snadger** · 25-09-2009, 05:28 PM

I couldn't grow swedes very well until this year!

Last years were like tennis balls so this year I was determined to do better. Sowed two lots in modules at varying times and two lots direct sown likewise!

And guess what????? I have been eating swedes regularily for nigh on a month now, and all good sized! Loads more to come through the winter also. A few have went to seed, but hey ho, whats a couple among 40 or 50!!
I am nurturing one now which is the size of a football..........I just want to see how big it will grow.

**Two_Sheds** · 25-09-2009, 05:36 PM

It's definitely a brassica. The Latin is something like Brassica napus var. napobrassica

**marathon** · 26-09-2009, 08:46 AM

thanks, one of my aims for next year is to grow better swede

**zazen999** · 26-09-2009, 09:04 AM

Originally posted by marathon View Post

thanks, one of my aims for next year is to grow better swede

How are you growing it now? Perhaps we can suggest some different methods.

**marathon** · 26-09-2009, 12:48 PM

Originally posted by zazen999 View Post

How are you growing it now? Perhaps we can suggest some different methods.

Well when I moved to the site a few years back I asked about growing swede and the old timers just said they plant them anywhere there's room. No I assume that they may be doing a bit more than that as they seem to grow well for them.

I've been putting them in with the other roots so there hasn't been any manure which maybe the problem.

I'm assuming I put them in with say spring cabbages (as bluemoon suggests)

**solway cropper** · 26-09-2009, 09:41 PM

Definitely a brassica as you'll discover if the cabbage white butterflies get anywhere near them. I've got a row in after early spuds and they're storming away on my clay soil.

**zazen999** · 26-09-2009, 09:58 PM

Originally posted by marathon View Post

Well when I moved to the site a few years back I asked about growing swede and the old timers just said they plant them anywhere there's room. No I assume that they may be doing a bit more than that as they seem to grow well for them.

I've been putting them in with the other roots so there hasn't been any manure which maybe the problem.

I'm assuming I put them in with say spring cabbages (as bluemoon suggests)

Sowing in situ, modules, pots? Tranplanting direct, or to seed bed and then into final position? Soil type? etc etc......

I find swede one of the easiest to grow; unless the cabbage whites shred the leaves; but I sow into modules and then they go into a holding/nursery bed until the final space is ready....and then planted in nice and firm into clay and covered with netting and they romp away.

**marathon** · 27-09-2009, 08:31 AM

oh sorry,

I sow in small pot in May then move the seedlings into root trainers then when baby plants I move them to final planting position in a raised bed. I normally grow about 60 plants but only because they end up much smaller than shop ones.

Can i feed them with my chicken manure liquid feed as my other brassicas go mad after it?

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