One of fall's ideal vegetables, rutabaga ripens best in cool autumn weather, taking on its characteristic mild, rich flavor after fall frosts descend on the garden, and staying in the ground for a long time for later harvests. Rutabagas are known by many names: Russian turnip, Swedish turnip, Swedes, winter turnip, yellow turnip, and Canadian turnip. As these names suggest, rutabagas are related to turnips, created by a natural cross between cabbage and turnip. Compared to turnips, rutabagas grow larger (thanks to their cabbage heritage) and require a few weeks longer to mature.

Growing rutabagas isn't hard; the greatest challenge is timing your planting. Because rutabaga roots ripen best in cool weather, they need to be planted in time to mature in cool weather. Rutabagas are perfect for a fall crop in cooler regions or as a winter crop in warmer zones. They need about 80 to 100 days from planting to harvest. In cooler regions, count back 90 days from the average date of the first fall frost, which you can find for your area on our fall frost maps. In warmer areas, time fall plantings by waiting until night temperatures are consistently in the 50- to 60-degree range. They also work as an early spring crop in areas where the ground isn't frozen so that you can plant early; however, they are subject to early warm spells that take away from the sweetness compared to those planted in fall.

Rutabaga grows in ordinary soil, but crop quality improves when you work compost into soil to increase its ability to hold water. Poor soil yields roots with a woody texture. Ideal soil pH is 5.5 to 7.0; add lime to acid soil. Prior to setting out transplants, remove any large rocks that might interfere with root growth. Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart.

Rutabagas need consistent moisture during the growing season. An old rutabaga-growing adage says, "If in doubt, water." Spotty watering that yields alternating wet and dry soil can cause roots to split. This is where a soaker hose or drip irrigation is invaluable to keep the soil moist but not soggy.

JM222 American Purple Top

90 days. Brassica napus. Rutabagas were the standard root crop in Europe before the potato arrived on the scene in the 16th century. American Purple Top Rutabaga has been around since the 1920s. It produces huge yellow roots 4-6" in diameter that are globe shaped with purple shoulders. The flesh is yellow, sweet and finely grained. It turns orange when cooked. An excellent storage variety. If stored properly can last 4-6 months.

 3.2 pack ( about 1,000 seeds ) $2.95