Succeeds in full sun in a well-drained fertile preferably alkaline soil. Prefers a stiff moist soil and a fairly high rainfall. Another report says that it prefers a light but rich soil and an open sunny position. Succeeds in any reasonable soil. Sunny days and cool nights are favourable for plant growth whilst dry weather at harvest time is essential. Swede is reported to tolerate an annual precipitation of 30 to 280cm, an annual average temperature range of 5 to 27°C and a pH in the range of 4.2 to 8.2. Very young plants are susceptible to cold damage, -4°C either killing or injuring seedlings, whereas -2°C has no affect when the plants are more than one month old. The garden swede is often cultivated for its edible root, there are several named varieties. The plant is somewhat hardier than turnips and in most parts f Britain it can usually be left outdoors all winter and harvested as required. Plants take 4 - 6 weeks longer to mature than turnips. Swede is 70% self-pollinating and 30% cross-pollinated. Even if wind and insects are absent, seed are still produced. Yield increases with honeybees. A good companion plant for peas but it dislikes growing with hedge mustard and knotweed.

Leaves - cooked as a potherb. A mild, cabbage-like flavor. Root - raw or cooked. A richer flavor than turnips, it makes a good cooked vegetable and, when finely grated, is acceptable in mixed salads. The root can be 30cm or more in diameter, though it is usually eaten smaller since it then is more tender. It is available from early autumn, and can either be left in the ground over winter to be harvested as required, or can be harvested and stored in a cool, frost-free place where it will keep for 6 months.

Seed - sow April to June in situ.

Not known in the wild.