Turnip & Swede

Botanical name: Brassica rapa var. rapifera, Brassica napus

Turnips and Swedes are very hardy vegetables and easy to grow. They are sown from late summer to winter (exception – Japanese turnip). Sow directly where they are to grow 1 cm deep. Thin seedlings to 20 cm between plants. Keep moist to encourage growth and mulch well. Flesh is extremely tender when young with a mild flavour. Tops are good steamed and are high in carotene and calcium. The roots can be used in soups, casseroles, mashed or steamed. Suitable for temperate and subtropical areas, but unlikely to do well in the tropics.