Swede help please

TraceyB_2

We have planted some swedes in our garden and the leaves seem to be taking over!

My DH planted them 18" apart (according to the instructions on the packet) but the leaves from two rows are crossing over each other. The leaves are enormous!

I have read that it is safe to cook the leaves, like spring greens, so is it ok to cut the leaves back now?

Thanks in advance:D

stardrops42

Hi TraceyB

I was just about to ask the same question! My swedes have taken over my raised bed! They are about 4' tall now with yellow flowers on them! I had to stake them yesterday as they were getting blown over in the wind! Is this normal? Can I cut them down a bit?
Thanks for any replies:beer:

csnann

If you cut the leaves off, the roots won't grow properly. The leaves are huge but as long as they have enough space according to the packet instructions, leave them alone.
Stardrops42, your swedes shouldn't have flowers yet, unless you planted them last year. If they go to seed in the first year, it may be because they were too dry.

Primrose

Swedes do tend to grow rather large leaves but as csnann says, if you remove the leaves the roots won't swell. Having said that, if you have masses of leaves, pinching the odd one out to include in something like a stir fry probably won't harm them too much. I use beetroot leaves in this way and still manage to get reasonable sized bulbs. Any swedes which start developing flowers are starting to bolt, i.e. go to seed and their bulbs won't grow any further, so they should be pulled up and used first.