Brassica napus

Brassica napus — swede & leaf greens

Brassica napus is the botanical name behind the swede and a handful of leafy greens — a hardy member of the cabbage family (Brassicaceae) that arose as a natural cross between turnip and cabbage. In our range it covers swedes, grown for their dense, sweet roots, and traditional leaf types, all sitting within the wider root vegetable and cabbage families.

History & origin

Brassica napus is a relatively young species, having appeared only a few centuries ago where the turnip (Brassica rapa) and the cabbage (Brassica oleracea) were grown side by side and crossed. The swede — long associated with Sweden, hence the name — became a vital winter root and livestock crop across Northern Europe, while the same species also gives us oilseed rape and leafy greens such as the Dutch "Blauwe Groninger". The genus name Brassica is the Latin for cabbage, and napus is an old Latin name for a turnip-like root.

Botanical characteristics

The species is best known for the swede: a large, firm root with purple-tinged shoulders and sweet, yellow-orange flesh that sweetens further after frost and stores superbly through winter. Its leaves are smooth and waxy blue-green, and certain forms are grown for greens rather than roots. Hardier and slower than the turnip, the swede is a true cold-season crop, at home among our most reliable winter direct-sow vegetables.

Growing Brassica napus from seed

Swedes are sown direct in late spring to early summer and left to grow on slowly through the season for harvesting in autumn and winter — a long, steady run that suits their hardy nature. Sow thinly into firm, fertile soil, thin to give the roots room, and keep them watered to prevent woodiness. Like all brassicas they appreciate protection from cabbage pests. Our vegetable growing guide covers the basics, and the vegetable sowing calendar shows the windows.

Ready for sweet winter roots and hardy greens? Browse the varieties below.

Related categories: Root Vegetables · Cabbage Vegetables · Kale · White Cabbage · All Vegetables

At SeedsChoice, every order ships from Meppel, NL with fast, tracked EU delivery.