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How to Grow Rutabaga: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide
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Ever wondered how to grow rutabaga right in your backyard? You’re in for something special. This sweet, earthy root sometimes called a Swedish turnip is easier to grow than you might think. And when you roast, mash, or toss it into a hearty stew, rutabaga brings a rich, comforting flavor to the table. Best of all? It’s a cool-season crop, perfect for stretching your harvest well into chilly months.
This guide will walk you through every step, from picking the best planting spot to handling pests and harvesting at just the right time. By the end, you’ll feel ready to grow rutabagas like a pro.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Rutabaga, Swedish turnip |
| Scientific Name | Brassica napus |
| Growing Time | 90–120 days |
| Best Planting Time | Late summer (for fall harvest) or early spring in mild climates |
| Sunlight Needs | Full sun (6–8 hours daily) |
| Soil Type | Well-draining, loamy, pH 5.5–7.0 |
| Watering | Steady moisture, avoid soggy soil |
| Spacing | 4–6 inches between plants, 12–18 inches between rows |
| Harvest Size | Roots about 3–5 inches across |
| Storage Life | 4–6 months in a cool, dark place |
Where to Plant Rutabaga
The first step in learning how to grow rutabaga is choosing the right location. Rutabaga loves the sun. Aim for a spot that gets 6 to 8 hours of light daily. While they can handle a bit of shade, too little sun will leave you with small, underwhelming roots. If you can, pick a spot with good airflow to help keep disease in check, especially during wet spells.
For the soil, you’ll want ground that holds moisture but drains well. Heavy or compacted soils? Not ideal — consider raised beds instead. And here’s a tip: avoid planting rutabagas where you grew cabbage, broccoli, or other brassicas in the last year or two, to help prevent lingering soil diseases.
Preparing the Soil and Planting
Good soil prep is half the battle. Rutabagas need loose, fertile earth to form those big, smooth roots. Before planting, work compost or aged manure into the top 8–12 inches of soil.
If you can, test the pH. These plants prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil — between 6.0 and 7.0. Add lime to raise the pH or sulfur to lower it if necessary. A layer of organic mulch is another bonus, feeding the soil as it breaks down.
When you’re ready to plant, sow seeds directly outdoors about ½ inch deep. Space them 4–6 inches apart, with rows 12–18 inches apart. For fall harvests, plant in late summer; in milder regions, early spring works too. Keep the soil evenly moist, and expect seedlings to pop up in 5–10 days.
Watering, Feeding, and Even Container Growing
Rutabagas are thirsty, especially as they bulk up underground. Water deeply to keep the top 6–8 inches of soil moist, but don’t let the ground get soggy — no one wants root rot! Mulch helps retain moisture and keeps weeds down.
For feeding, use a balanced fertilizer (like 10-10-10) at planting and again halfway through the season. Compost or aged manure also works well for a natural boost. Just go easy on high-nitrogen fertilizers — you want plump roots, not just leafy tops.
Short on garden space? You can grow rutabagas in deep containers (at least 12 inches deep) with good drainage. Container plants dry out faster, so water them regularly. Keep an eye out for pests, since confined spaces can sometimes make infestations worse.
Best Rutabaga Varieties to Try
Want to experiment? Here are some tried-and-true favorites:
- American Purple Top — The classic choice, known for big roots with purple tops and yellow flesh. Great for long-term storage.
- Laurentian — A Canadian favorite, perfect for cooler climates, with smooth texture and mild flavor.
- Joan — An early-maturing option, ideal for shorter seasons or colder areas.
Rutabaga vs. Turnips: What’s the Difference?
At first glance, rutabagas and turnips look like cousins — and they are, but with key differences. Turnips are smaller, white with purple tops, and have a sharper, peppery taste. Rutabagas are bigger, yellow-fleshed, and milder, especially after a frost sweetens them up. Turnips grow faster, but rutabagas pack more carbs and vitamin C. In the kitchen, rutabagas shine roasted or mashed, while turnips often show up raw or pickled.
Dealing with Pests and Diseases
While rutabagas are fairly tough, a few common pests can still cause headaches.
Flea beetles nibble tiny holes in the leaves, slowing growth. Root maggots attack underground, ruining roots. Floating row covers can help keep bugs away, and attracting helpful insects like parasitic wasps offers natural pest control.
Watch out for diseases like clubroot, which causes swollen, misshapen roots. Crop rotation and keeping the soil pH around 6.5 can help prevent this. In humid conditions, keep an eye out for downy or powdery mildew, and remove affected leaves promptly.
Harvesting and Storing
After about 90–110 days, your rutabagas should be ready. Look for firm, round roots about 3–5 inches wide. Many gardeners wait until after the first frost, which boosts the roots’ sweetness.
To harvest, gently loosen the soil with a garden fork or spade (be careful not to stab the roots!) and lift them out. Trim the tops to about 1 inch, brush off excess dirt, but don’t wash them yet — that can shorten storage life.
Store the roots in a cool, dark, humid place like a root cellar or in perforated bags in the fridge. Under the right conditions, rutabagas can last 4–6 months.
FAQs
When is the best time to plant rutabaga?
The best time to plant rutabaga really depends on where you live. In most places, late summer is perfect so the roots can mature in cool fall weather they actually taste sweeter after a light frost! If you’re in a mild climate, you can even plant them in early spring for a late summer harvest.
Why are my rutabaga roots small or woody?
Small or woody rutabagas usually mean they didn’t get enough water or were left in the ground too long. These plants need steady moisture, especially as the roots bulk up. Also, harvesting on time (about 90–110 days after planting) helps — if you wait too long, they can turn tough and fibrous.
Can I grow rutabaga in pots or containers?
Yes! You can absolutely grow rutabagas in deep containers, at least 12 inches deep. Just make sure the pot has good drainage and keep the soil consistently moist. One tip: containers dry out faster than garden beds, so check on them often and water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Final Thoughts
Growing rutabaga isn’t just easy it’s downright rewarding. With a little care, you’ll end up with a stash of sweet, earthy roots that brighten your meals all winter long. Whether you mash, roast, or stew them, homegrown rutabagas bring something special to the table. So why not give them a spot in your garden this year? You might just discover a new cold-season favorite.
