Sowing swede?

[grannyjanny]

Can swede be sown in modules or does it have to be direct?

[grannyjanny]

[caroline7758]

I sowed some in modules yesterday and the instructions from Moreveg said they could be sown in modules but should be transplanted when no more than 5cm tall. First time I've grown them, so others may say otherwise!

[manicscousers]

I tried it for the first time this year, the first ones have bolted, must've been the hot dry spell we had, I've just transplanted the second lot, will see how they go  :)

[grannyjanny]

How long do they take to germinate please? The bed won't be ready for a couple of weeks.

[kippers garden]

I sowed them in newspaper pots then transplanted them pot and all.....first time i've done this so time will tell

[germinator]

Hi everyone .
                  I have recently joined allotments 4 all and this is my first reply,so here goes.i always used to sow swedes directely into the soil, until i had advice from other members of my allotment site. For the last three years,i have sown two types of swede ,one called Helenor,the other,is called Marion,into trays ,then when large enough to handle,transplanted,into 3.inch pots,after growing on,and then harding them off,planting outside 12.inches apart .
                   I have had excellent results,and the best thing is no thinning required,as for germinating i find that it takes about 2 weeks, i and others do this for beetroot as well. :)

[grannyjanny]

Hello Germinator. Welcome to the site & thank you for your advice.

[caroline7758]

Welcome, Germinator (love the name!). glad to hear Marion did well- that's one of the varieties I sowed yesterday. :D

[cornykev]

Mine will go direct, I've not had much luck with them, so if there's no joy this year then they'll be going into modules next year. It's always nice to get your first post in and Germinator I'm sure    You'll Be Back.      ;D ;D ;D

[greenstar]

I'm growing them for the first time this year too - although they're turnips here!  I sowed then direct last weekend and they have germinated well.  I seem to remember reading that you shouldn't sow too early as they will bolt, and that from now onwards is the ideal time.  I stand to be corrected.

I am wondering why I'm growing them though, when you can buy humungous neeps for tuppence ha'penny at the market.  Are they better when they're home grown?

[Jayb]

I usually start mine in modules and find they do really well and it also helps to avoid flee beatle damage  :)

[kt.]

My success was abysmal with direct sowing.  I was given 2 trays of plug plants a few year back that proved very successful.  I have sown in modules ever since and always get a bumper harvest.  (I always sow Marion.  They are ready from late September and stand well over winter)