How to Grow

From seed

Best sown in late summer or early autumn as the sweetness is enhanced by frosts.

Likes loose free-draining soil high in organic matter and can be sensitive to drought.

To start swedes off, direct sow the seed outdoors in the garden, preferably in a well-worked, well-fertilised soil that is high in organic matter.

Sow seeds 1cm deep in rows about 40cm apart, leaving 4 to 5cm between seeds.

After germination, gradually thin the seedlings to leave 15 to 20cm between each one.

Collect seed

Allow your seed plants to mature until the flowers wither and seed pods form.

Watch the seed pods daily until they turn brown.

Cut the seed pods off the stems using pruning shears or a knife.

Start with the pods at the bottom of the plants; these typically mature first.

Leave pods with any signs of green on the plant until the entire pod turns brown; seeds from green pods won't grow.

Place the seed pods in a paper bag or between two paper towels and press down to gently break open the pods.

Sort the seeds from the remaining pod pieces.