{"title":"Brassica napus","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eBrassica napus\u003c\/em\u003e — swede \u0026amp; leaf greens\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBrassica napus\u003c\/em\u003e is the botanical name behind the swede and a handful of leafy greens — a hardy member of the cabbage family (Brassicaceae) that arose as a natural cross between turnip and cabbage. In our range it covers swedes, grown for their dense, sweet roots, and traditional leaf types, all sitting within the wider \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/root-vegetables\"\u003eroot vegetable\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/cabbage-vegetables\"\u003ecabbage\u003c\/a\u003e families.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHistory \u0026amp; origin\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eBrassica napus is a relatively young species, having appeared only a few centuries ago where the turnip (\u003cem\u003eBrassica rapa\u003c\/em\u003e) and the cabbage (\u003cem\u003eBrassica oleracea\u003c\/em\u003e) were grown side by side and crossed. The swede — long associated with Sweden, hence the name — became a vital winter root and livestock crop across Northern Europe, while the same species also gives us oilseed rape and leafy greens such as the Dutch \"Blauwe Groninger\". The genus name \u003cem\u003eBrassica\u003c\/em\u003e is the Latin for cabbage, and \u003cem\u003enapus\u003c\/em\u003e is an old Latin name for a turnip-like root.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eBotanical characteristics\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe species is best known for the swede: a large, firm root with purple-tinged shoulders and sweet, yellow-orange flesh that sweetens further after frost and stores superbly through winter. Its leaves are smooth and waxy blue-green, and certain forms are grown for greens rather than roots. Hardier and slower than the turnip, the swede is a true cold-season crop, at home among our most reliable winter \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/direct-sow-vegetables\"\u003edirect-sow vegetables\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eGrowing Brassica napus from seed\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eSwedes are sown direct in late spring to early summer and left to grow on slowly through the season for harvesting in autumn and winter — a long, steady run that suits their hardy nature. Sow thinly into firm, fertile soil, thin to give the roots room, and keep them watered to prevent woodiness. Like all brassicas they appreciate protection from cabbage pests. Our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/news\/growing-vegetables-the-complete-beginner-friendly-guide-with-pro-tips\"\u003evegetable growing guide\u003c\/a\u003e covers the basics, and the \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/news\/vegetable-sowing-calendar\"\u003evegetable sowing calendar\u003c\/a\u003e shows the windows.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eReady for sweet winter roots and hardy greens? Browse the varieties below.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:12px;margin:20px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/root-vegetables\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#66971d;color:#ffffff;padding:12px 22px;border-radius:8px;font-weight:600;text-decoration:none;\"\u003eBrowse root vegetables\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/news\/growing-vegetables-the-complete-beginner-friendly-guide-with-pro-tips\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#ffffff;color:#3f6312;border:1.5px solid #9cc35f;padding:10.5px 21px;border-radius:8px;font-weight:600;text-decoration:none;\"\u003eVegetable growing guide\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRelated categories:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/root-vegetables\"\u003eRoot Vegetables\u003c\/a\u003e · \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/cabbage-vegetables\"\u003eCabbage Vegetables\u003c\/a\u003e · \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/kale\"\u003eKale\u003c\/a\u003e · \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/white-cabbage\"\u003eWhite Cabbage\u003c\/a\u003e · \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/vegetables\"\u003eAll Vegetables\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt \u003ca href=\"\/\"\u003eSeedsChoice\u003c\/a\u003e, every order ships from Meppel, NL with fast, tracked EU delivery.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"swede-seeds-wilhelmsburger-greentop-brassica-napus","title":"Swede Seeds Wilhelmsburger Greentop Brassica Napus Annual","description":"\u003ch2\u003eSwede for classic kitchen and garden use\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eswede seeds\u003c\/strong\u003e ‘Wilhelmsburger Greentop’ are a traditional choice within the cabbage family, valued for producing a dependable swede root vegetable with a mild, gently sweet flavour. This greentop swede variety is grown as an annual crop and suits gardeners looking for rutabaga vegetable seeds for everyday cooking as well as practical garden use. Also known as wilhelmsburger greentop swede, it develops a characteristic green-shouldered root and sturdy foliage that fits well into mixed vegetable beds and allotments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant characteristics and variety identity details\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis variety belongs to \u003cem\u003eBrassica napus\u003c\/em\u003e and is classified among brassica napus seeds in the broader group of cabbage-type vegetables. Wilhelmsburger Greentop is an old cultivated variety, appreciated for its consistent root shape and traditional appearance. The roots are typically rounded with a distinct green top, making it easy to recognise at harvest. Its flavour profile is described as soft and sweet, which makes it suitable for roasting, mashing, soups, and other savoury dishes without overpowering other ingredients.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSeasonal fit for open ground vegetable gardens\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor gardeners planning swede seeds for open ground, this variety is commonly associated with outdoor sowing from April to June and an autumn harvest swede crop from September to November. It is also noted as suitable for open-ground cultivation and can be used as a fodder plant where appropriate. As with many brassica crops, rotating the growing area from year to year is a practical way to support balanced garden planning and maintain good crop diversity.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Shaphira","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51723781734737,"sku":"SHA-LUN-051475-9","price":4.45,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0860\/2458\/5553\/files\/SHA-LUN-051475-9_1_7d38853c-044e-48f9-bd61-e4b0b05107d1.png?v=1778175090"},{"product_id":"swede-seeds-champion-brassica-napus","title":"Swede Seeds Champion Brassica Napus Annual Vegetable Variety Purple Top","description":"\u003ch2\u003eChampion swede variety for reliable garden roots\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eswede seeds\u003c\/strong\u003e ‘Champion’ are a classic choice for gardeners looking for a dependable brassica root vegetable with attractive purple shoulders and a rounded, well-filled shape. This swede champion variety is valued for uniform roots and steady performance in the open ground, making it a practical option for kitchen gardens and allotments. Also known as rutabaga vegetable seeds in many regions, this variety produces pale yellow flesh and a mild, traditional swede character suited to a wide range of savory dishes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant character, colour, and seasonal use\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChampion forms a robust plant typical of \u003cem\u003eBrassica napus\u003c\/em\u003e, with strong foliage above ground and a firm root below. The purple top swede seed type is especially popular where gardeners want a clearly coloured crown that stands out at harvest time. As brassica root vegetable seeds, swedes are commonly grown for autumn lifting and cool-season storage, and they fit well into mixed vegetable beds alongside other cabbage-family crops. For those seeking swede seeds for open ground, this variety is widely chosen for its consistent root formation and traditional look.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhere this swede fits in crop rotations\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese brassica napus swede seeds are suitable for standard vegetable rotations, and many growers prefer to change the growing area each year to support balanced soil use. Champion can be grown for household use and is also known as a swede fodder crop seed option in smallholding contexts. Whether you refer to it as purple top swede seeds or rutabaga, this is a straightforward, well-known variety for gardeners who want a reliable, classic swede harvest.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Shaphira","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51742508450129,"sku":"SHA-BLO-021360-0","price":4.45,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0860\/2458\/5553\/files\/SHA-BLO-021360-0_1_03b2e552-4c03-46f9-b7ae-3020b9d899b3.png?v=1778188403"},{"product_id":"swede-champion-rutabaga-seeds-brassica-napus","title":"Swede Seeds Champion Brassica Napus Annual Vegetable Variety","description":"\u003ch2\u003eSwede Champion seeds for reliable garden crops\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eswede seeds\u003c\/strong\u003e ‘Champion’ are a classic choice for gardeners looking for a dependable root vegetable for the open ground. This rutabaga seed variety belongs to the cabbage family and is valued for producing rounded roots with a smooth look and a pale yellow interior. As \u003cem\u003eBrassica napus\u003c\/em\u003e, it fits well within the broader group of brassica napus vegetable seeds and can be grown as part of a mixed vegetable plot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant characteristics and kitchen friendly qualities\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChampion swede champion seeds develop sturdy plants that form a substantial root crop, suitable for harvesting later in the season as an autumn harvest root crop. The flavour is traditionally described as mild, making it a versatile option for everyday cooking. This is a hardy root vegetable seeds selection that suits many temperate gardens, and it is often chosen where consistent results are preferred over novelty types.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eGarden placement and rotation considerations\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor best results with swede seeds for open ground, choose a sunny position and keep the soil evenly moist, especially during dry spells. Like other kohlrabi type brassica seeds and related cabbage crops, this variety benefits from sensible crop rotation brassica seeds planning to support balanced garden soil use from year to year. Suitable for home gardens and can also be used as a fodder plant.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Shaphira","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51743585239377,"sku":"SHA-LUN-051474-0","price":3.56,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0860\/2458\/5553\/files\/SHA-LUN-051474-0_1_e56495d1-1860-469c-998a-dd51e9c43e11.png?v=1778190985"},{"product_id":"greens-blauwe-groninger-seeds-brassica-napus","title":"Greens Blauwe Groninger Seeds Brassica Napus Annual Vegetable","description":"\u003ch2\u003eGreens for blue-green leaves and stems\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003egreens blauwe groninger seeds\u003c\/strong\u003e are an annual leaf-vegetable choice valued for their blue-green foliage and tender stems. This variety is commonly grown as a cut-and-come-again type leafy green, offering a steady supply of young leaves for the kitchen. The flavor is naturally spicy tasting, making it a distinctive option among annual leafy greens seeds for gardeners who enjoy characterful leaf crops.\u003cbr\u003eBotanically, this vegetable belongs to \u003cem\u003eBrassica napus\u003c\/em\u003e, a group known for versatile leaf production. It fits well within a mixed vegetable bed, a dedicated leafy-greens patch, or a small garden where quick, repeat harvests are appreciated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSeasonal fit for garden beds and frames\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese rübstiel vegetable seeds suit a long picking window, with harvest potential noted from May to November under typical conditions. For planning purposes, they are often started under glass in February and March, and they are also suitable for direct sowing in open ground from March through August, depending on local weather and garden schedules. As brassica napus leaf vegetable seeds, they are typically chosen for reliable leaf growth and for producing usable stems alongside the leaves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant characteristics and simple site preference\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExpect a leafy plant with a fresh blue-green appearance and stems that can be used together with the young leaves. A consistently moist soil is commonly recommended to support even growth and tender foliage. If you are looking for brassica napus leafy green seeds or greens seeds for open ground that can be used over an extended season, this variety is a practical, traditional option for the vegetable garden.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Shaphira","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51743915573585,"sku":"SHA-LUN-051462-4","price":4.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0860\/2458\/5553\/files\/SHA-LUN-051462-4_1_94863e85-f008-4473-91c1-48adf2b444f3.png?v=1778195606"}],"url":"https:\/\/seedschoice.de\/collections\/brassica-napus.oembed","provider":"SeedsChoice","version":"1.0","type":"link"}