How to Grow Swede in New Zealand
A cool-season root that sweetens after a touch of frost, so it shines in the cooler South Island gardens. In Auckland and the warm north, sow in early autumn and harvest before the heat returns. Direct sow, as swedes dislike transplanting.
When to plant swede in New Zealand
Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Auckland | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Waikato & BoP | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Wellington | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Nelson & Marlborough | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Canterbury | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Otago & Southland | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Central Otago | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
Best swede varieties for NZ
- Champion Purple Top — Reliable purple-shouldered swede with sweet yellow flesh. (Yates NZ, Mr Fothergill's NZ, Mitre 10)
- Virtue — Modern variety with good club-root tolerance and smooth roots. (Mr Fothergill's NZ, Egmont Seeds)
How to grow swede
- Space plants about 25cm apart.
- Sow seed around 1cm deep.
- Position: full sun.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 90 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 10 days.
Companion planting
Grow swede near: Peas, Lettuce, Onion, Nasturtium.
Pests and problems
Watch for: White butterfly, Aphids, Flea beetle. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant swede in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in January, February, March, April, August, September, October. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy swede seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Yates NZ, Mr Fothergill's NZ, Mitre 10.