How to Sow and Grow Mangelwurzels

If you’ve never grown mangelwurzels before, now’s the perfect time. These large, sweet roots are often overlooked in modern gardens, but they’re easy to grow, versatile, and rewarding. This mangelwurzel planting guide will show you how to sow, grow, and harvest these hardy heritage vegetables for a bountiful crop.

Why Grow Mangelwurzels

Mangelwurzels, or mangels, are cousins of beetroot but grow much larger. They’re hardy, usually pest- and disease-free, and store well over winter. The leaves are edible too, perfect for soups, stews, or sautéing. Historically grown for livestock, mangels are now making a comeback in kitchens and vegetable patches alike.

When and How to Sow Mangelwurzels

Timing and technique are key for healthy roots:

• Indoors/Module Trays: Sow from late February for an early start.
  
• Direct Outdoors: Sow from March to July in a sunny spot.
  
• Planting Depth: Sow seeds about 3 cm deep in shallow drills.
  
• Protection: Young seedlings can attract birds, so cover if needed.
  
• Germination: Seeds usually take 12–24 days to sprout.

Give seedlings plenty of space and sunlight, and thin as needed once true leaves develop. Crowded plants produce smaller roots.

Growing Mangelwurzels

Mangels are tough and forgiving, but a few simple tips will ensure tender, juicy roots:

• Watering: Keep soil evenly moist, especially in hot, dry weather, to prevent roots becoming tough or woody.
  
• Size: Though they can grow huge, they’re at their most tender when around “head size” or slightly smaller.
  
• Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil with a sunny position works best.
  
• Pests & Diseases: Mangels are usually free from problems, making them ideal for low-maintenance gardens.

Harvesting and Using Mangelwurzels

When to harvest: From late summer to early winter, depending on sowing date.

• Storage: Trim the tops, leaving a small stem, and store in a cool, dry place. Mangels will last for months.
  
• Cooking: Roast, boil, mash, or add to soups and stews. Leaves can be lightly sautéed or used in soups.

Growing mangelwurzels is rewarding for gardeners who love heritage vegetables. They’re hardy, low-maintenance, and offer both nutritious leaves and storable roots. Add them to your garden this season and enjoy these forgotten gems in winter meals and beyond.