SWEDE - WILHELMSBURGER

Organic Swede Wilhelmsburger  

             

Swede 'Wilhelmsburger' is a selection of Wilhelmsburger Hartmann, first developed in Germany in 1935. Bred specifically as a culinary swede, it is celebrated for its resilience. It exhibits strong disease resistance, particularly against clubroot, and performs well in soils with boron deficiency. Additionally, it is known as an excellent keeper, making it a practical and reliable choice for storage and extended use.

Swede 'Wilhelmsburger' is a unique heirloom variety long cherished in the local markets of Germany and Northern Europe. Despite being relatively new elsewhere, it is highly regarded for its exceptional table quality and refined taste. Unlike the more common purple-top varieties, this swede features a distinctive green top, adding to its appeal. The large, round roots have smooth skin and creamy, golden flesh that is firm, tender, and completely free of bitterness. The green leaves, often tinged with red, make it visually striking. This variety is not only prized for its flavour but also for its culinary versatility.

    PLANTING & GROWING

Soaking needs to be done at least a few hours before planting, and preferably overnight. To prevent damping off when starting seeds indoors, it’s essential that you disinfect all of your pots, plastic grow trays, seed cells, and seedling tray covers before you reuse them.  

Sow the seeds in May and June, dig rows 1cm (½ in) deep and sow seed very thinly then cover with soil. Rows should be 37cm (15in) apart. Germinates between 12 and 30°C (53 to 86°F) in 6 to 10 days. Thin out the crop as soon as the seedlings are large enough to handle. Do this in stages until the plants are 9in (23cm) apart. 

Water swedes regularly after planting, especially during hotter periods, as it is a crop that prefers to be damp but not waterlogged. Water developing plants every five to ten days to avoid any irregular growth. A lack of water during growth can make the root go woody. Other key aspects of swede care include regular hoeing to keep the bed free of weeds. Mound soil lightly around larger swedes to cover the tops with soil and prevent the swede heads from turning green.  Swedes are not heavy feeders but do like enriched soil. Consider adding well-rotted compost to the site before planting, or alternatively apply fertiliser to the bed around two months after sowing.  

There are numerous options for swede companion planting. These include peas, celery, onions, dill  and lamb’s lettuce. However, crops such as tomatoes and peppers are NOT good companion plants for swedes.  

When growing swedes, keep to a four-year crop rotation and avoid growing them or other brassicas in the same area for four years