I'm growing swedes for the first time this year. The plants are huge, the roots vary in size from oversized golf ball to tennis ball but I have noticed that the plants are beginning to show signs of flowering. Is this bad? Should I remove the flowerheads?
Swedes normally grow as biennials - that is in the first season they grow to store up energy and then flower in the second season. If they are flowering in the first season it usually means they have either been sown at the wrong time or there is some kind of stress - too hot/too dry/poor soil.
You might have some luck if you break of the flowering stems but its probably too late. They often go 'woody' when flowering and make for very chewable roots.
Maybe if you watered more it might stop any more from flowering?
Thanks for that! It is just as I feared. I'll do as you suggest and see how they go. I might sow some more too what do you think
Swedes are essential for Burns' supper haggis!! ;)
I only sowed my swedes last week - as I want them for mid winter there is still plenty of time for them to put weight on.
I have started them off in 3ins pots as I have no room yet in the veg patch - they will probably go in after the early spuds. Also in the pots i can protect them from slugs/flea beetles and other nasties until they are stronger.