Brassica napus (Napobrassica Group) 'Ruby' (swede 'Ruby') — Bushy

Overview

Brassica napus (Napobrassica Group) 'Ruby' is a bushy annual biennial in the genus Brassica, part of the Brassicaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Brassica napus (Napobrassica Group) 'Ruby' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include patio and container plants.

About

Brassica napus (Napobrassica Group) 'Ruby' is a bushy, evergreen cultivar of swede within the Brassica genus, known for its upright growth and prominent taproot. This annual or biennial plant thrives in full sun and is suited to south- or west-facing aspects, tolerating both exposed and sheltered conditions. It prefers fertile, firm, well-drained alkaline soil and can grow in chalk, clay, loam, or sand with moist but well-drained conditions. Hardy to UK zone H5, 'Ruby' is suitable for patio and container planting and is propagated by seed, offering interest from spring through to autumn.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Brassica

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained
Aspect: South-facing, West-facing
Exposure: Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Brassica napus (Napobrassica Group) 'Ruby' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Annual Biennial
Habit: Bushy
Foliage: Evergreen
Suggested uses: Patio and container plants

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Brassica napus (Napobrassica Group) 'Ruby'

Propagation: Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
Pest resistance: May be susceptible to flea beetle which can prevent seedlings from thriving and attacked by caterpillars when eggs laid by butterflies, hatch and feed. It is very popular food for pigeons which only netting can prevent. It is also eaten by snails, although once plants are established, this damage isn't usually severe. The cabbage root fly can cause failure to thrive and a heavy infestation of mealy cabbage aphid can spoil the harvest
Disease resistance: May be susceptible to brassica downy mildew and brassica white blister. In areas where brassicas have been grown before, club root can build up in the soil

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Brassica napus (Napobrassica Group) 'Ruby'?

Brassica napus (Napobrassica Group) 'Ruby' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Brassica napus (Napobrassica Group) 'Ruby' need?

Brassica napus (Napobrassica Group) 'Ruby' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It prefers alkaline and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.

Is Brassica napus (Napobrassica Group) 'Ruby' hardy in the UK?

Brassica napus (Napobrassica Group) 'Ruby' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.

How do I propagate Brassica napus (Napobrassica Group) 'Ruby'?

Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds.

More in the Brassica genus

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