Rutabaga

Sunset

Zones A1-A3, 1-45, H1, H2

Full, Partial

Moderate

Rutabaga
Brassicaceae (Cruciferae)
Annuals, Vegetables

Rutabaga is a tasty turnip relative with large yellowish roots; its leaves are palatable only when very young. It is a late-maturing crop that stores well in the ground; its flavor improves with light frost.

Plant in early spring (for early summer harvest) where winters are cold or in summer (for fall harvest). Where winters are mild, plant in fall for a winter crop. Sow seeds 1 in. apart. Thin rutabaga plants to 5 to 8 in. apart; each one needs ample space for root to reach full weight of 3 to 5 lbs. Roots are milder if soil is kept moist, become more pungent under drier conditions. Rutabaga roots are ready to harvest in 90 to 120 days.