How to Grow Rutabaga

Rutabaga Germination Information

How to Sow Rutabaga:

• Best sown outdoors in situ after all danger of frost is past in the spring and in a warm soil.
• In warm climates, seeds can be sown about 3 months before first frost.
• Seeds can also be sown indoors, at a temperature of 68-70°.
• Indoors and out, sow at a depth of 4 times the size of the seed and expect germination in 10-15 days.

How to Grow Rutabaga:
Transplanting: : Transplant when there are at least two sets of true leaves

Spacing:  Thin or space seedlings 6-8 inches apart in rows spaced 18-24 inches apart.

Soil:  Site in full sun in an alkaline, light, rich, moist, welldrained soil.

Additional Care: Fertilize prior to planting and again when plants are 4-6 inches tall. Keep well watered and well weeded. Plants do best in climates with cool summers; they are considered intolerant of hot weather.

Appearance and Use:

Grown for its edible root and leaves. The plants resemble Turnips but vary in the smooth, waxy, blue-green leaves; the root that is larger, globe-shaped, and light yellow; and the neck that is distinctly leafy. The roots are eaten cooked (often in the same ways that potatoes are prepared) and should be harvested when small, about 3-4 inches across. Leave in the ground as long as needed (only if the ground doesn’t freeze) or harvest and store for many months. The leaves are also edible and are very strongly flavored. Harvest them at any time and use in salads or in cooking like other winter greens.

About Rutabaga:
Botanical name: BRASSICA napus
Pronunciation:  bras’i-kå nå’pus
Lifecycle:  Perennial
Origination: Brassicaceae; nativity unknown.