swede flowers

[Saraheliz]

Hi

this is the 2nd yr have grown swedes, my 2! swedes from last year tasted great except for some flea beetle damage. I have now sown quite a few and 2 have started flowering! I thought they lasted in the ground all winter. I planted them probably around May or June I think. Also they taste a bit woody so I guess they are too old./

Does anyone have any experience with swedes that can help?
I have got some more seedlings growing, well they are about 4 inch high,.

thanks!

[Two_Sheds]

First, are they swedes or turnips? (We've had this confusion before)

Swedes should be sown May-June, or July if you're down south.
Hot weather can make them woody, that why you sow them a bit later ...

[gojiberry]

Couple of my earlier sown swede have gone to flower and will be woody. I have some later sown ones which are a lot smaller but not gone to seed. So the moral is to try a judge from this years results what is the best time of year to sow for your area. This is the first time I have had much success with swedes as the flea beetle usually decimates them.

Ian

[Saraheliz]

Definitely swedes but my mum keeps calling them turnips
it is quite hot on my allotment so maybe thats it.
yes I have had trouble with caterpillars and flea beetle but in the end the wood has got me but I do have later ones but hoping not planted too late.
thanks both of you I guess experience helps and hopefully i will get better at it