Gillfeather Swede

A selected variety of culinary swede, 25 cm sweet, pale green topped roots. Has a fantastic flavour. Sow Nov to Feb. Sprinkle seed thinly in 5 mm deep furrows, 60-90 cm apart. Thin seedlings to 20 cm in the row carefully to allow for large roots. If hard frosts hit in Winter, mound soil over the roots to protect them.

The heirloom Gilfeather Turnip is said to be a cross between a Turnip and Rutabaga. It’s first recorded origin was in the early 1900’s when farmer John Gilfeather of Vermont started bringing them to market. They were a huge hit because of their mild taste that becomes sweet and creamy after a frost or two. Fearing competition, John kept the seeds under lock and key. However, thankfully some made it’s way into the hands of a small group of farmers who continued to grow them on a small scale. This group included Mary Lou and Bill Schmidt, who, after some research, learned the history of John and realized they had had something unique. They registered their seed with the state of Vermont and began to popularize it, ensuring that Gilfeathers would be available for those in the future. Now, Gilfeathers have made their way out of Vermont and are grown by farmers all over the world