How to grow swede in a raised bed

Swede (rutabaga) is the sweet, hearty root that carries a winter kitchen — slow to grow but rock-hardy, and a raised bed's deep mix gives it room to size up.

Quick facts

• Position: full sun
• Spacing: 20 cm apart
• Tub depth: our 35 cm or 41 cm depth
• Time to harvest: 4–5 months

When should I plant swede?

Swede is a long, cool-season crop — sow from summer to autumn so it matures through the cold, which sweetens the root. Our free garden calendar shows the right months for your postcode.

• Subtropical (Brisbane & SEQ): March to May
• Temperate (Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth): January to April
• Cool & mountain (Tasmania, Canberra, highlands): November to February
• Tropical (Cairns, Darwin): Not really suited to this zone
• Arid inland: February to April

How do I grow swede in a raised bed?

Sow directly into loose, stone-free mix and thin well — crowded swedes stay small. Steady, unhurried growth gives the best roots.

How often should I water and feed swede?

Keep moisture even — a dry spell followed by a soaking splits the roots. Not a heavy feeder.

What pests attack swede?

Keep an eye out for aphids and caterpillars. Most are easily managed — see our safe pest guide.

What diseases affect swede?

The main ones are downy mildew and leaf spot. Good airflow, morning watering and steady moisture prevent most.

What grows well with swede?

Follows a legume crop nicely; keep brassicas away from strawberries. See our companion planting guide.

When do I harvest swede?

Lift once the roots are fist-sized. They store for weeks in a cool spot, and hold well in the bed through winter.

More growing guides: turnips, parsnips and kohlrabi.

Plan your patch: our free garden calendar shows what to plant now where you live. Ready to grow? Browse our raised garden beds or build your own with the garden bed builder.

Image: Kolforn, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.