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Brassica napus napobrassica - (L.)Rchb.

Common Name Swede
Family Brassicaceae or Cruciferae
USDA hardiness 6-9
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Not known in the wild.
Range A hybrid of garden origin between B. napus and B. campestris.
Edibility Rating    (4 of 5)
Other Uses    (2 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (2 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Brassica napus napobrassica Swede


Brassica napus napobrassica Swede

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Brassica napus napobrassica is a BIENNIAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

B. napobrassica.

Habitats

 Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves  Root
Edible Uses:

Leaves - cooked as a potherb[183]. A mild, cabbage-like flavour[K]. Root - raw or cooked[1, 16, 46, 171, 183]. A richer flavour than turnips, it makes a good cooked vegetable and, when finely grated, is acceptable in mixed salads[183, K]. The root can be 30cm or more in diameter, though it is usually eaten smaller since it then is more tender[K]. 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[K].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Diuretic  Emollient

The root is emollient and diuretic[240]. The juice of the roots is used in the treatment of chronic coughs and bronchial catarrh[240, 269]. The seed, powdered, with salt is said to be a folk remedy for cancer[269]. Rape oil is used in massage and oil baths, it is believed to strengthen the skin and keep it cool and healthy. With camphor it is applied as a remedy for rheumatism and stiff joints[269].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

The seed contains up to 45% of an edible semi-drying oil, it is used as a luminant, lubricant, in soap making etc[13, 21, 57, 142].

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Succeeds in full sun in a well-drained fertile preferably alkaline soil[16, 200]. Prefers a stiff moist soil and a fairly high rainfall[16, 20, 26]. Another report says that it prefers a light but rich soil and an open sunny position[264]. Succeeds in any reasonable soil[52]. Sunny days and cool nights are favourable for plant growth whilst dry weather at harvest time is essential[269]. 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[269]. 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[269]. The garden swede is often cultivated for its edible root, there are several named varieties[183]. 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[183]. Swede is 70% self-pollinating and 30% cross-pollinated. Even if wind and insects are absent, seed are still produced. Yield increases with honeybees[269]. A good companion plant for peas but it dislikes growing with hedge mustard and knotweed[18].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Propagation

Seed - sow April to June in situ.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

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Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Expert comment

Author

(L.)Rchb.

Botanical References

200

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Readers comment

lloyd   Fri Jun 27 2008

does anyone know where I can get some seeds of Brassica Napus( from swede?)

   Tue Jun 9 2009

look for the seeds under "rutabaga"

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