Rutabaga Growing Guide

Brassica napobrassica

Crop Rotation Group

Brassicas (Cabbage family) ●

Soil

Any fertile, well drained soil that holds moisture well.

Position

Full sun.

Frost tolerant

Time planting so that rutabagas are reaching maturity just as the first fall frosts arrive. Cold weather improved rutabaga flavor and texture.

Feeding

Not usually required.

Spacing

Single Plants: 9" (25cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 7" (20cm) with 1' 3" (40cm) row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Sow seeds half an inch deep and 4 inches apart in early summer. Thin seedlings to 8 inches apart when they are 3 weeks old.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Needs more water than many other vegetables. Mulch to keep the soil cool and moist.

Harvesting

Harvest in mid to late fall, after the soil has cooled and frosts have become frequent. Trimmed roots can be stored in a cool basement, root cellar, or refrigerator.