Vegetables · biennial grown as an annual

Rutabaga (swede) from seed

Brassica napus · also searched as swede

Germination temperature: 64 to 70°F (18 to 21°C)
Minimum soil temperature: 59°F (15°C)
Sowing depth: about ½ in (12 mm)
Days to germinate: 7 to 14 days
Light: Either; light is not critical
Before sowing: Nothing needed
Spacing: 6 in (15 cm)

Depth is not given by Alberta; sow about as deep as turnip.

Sowing

Rutabaga is a long, cool-season crop. Sow direct from early summer so roots swell in cool autumn weather; Alberta Agriculture gives a minimum soil temperature of 15°C (59°F) and 7 to 14 days to germinate.

Care and transplanting

Thin early and keep evenly watered. Flavour improves after a light frost.

Problems

Splitting roots follow uneven watering. Flea beetles and root maggots are the main pests.

Saving seed

Flowers in the second year; crosses with other Brassica napus.