Andre CampbellRutabaga, also called swede in many countries, is a root vegetable in the cabbage (Brassica) family. It is easy to grow in most home gardens.
Rutabagas are probably a mix of turnips and wild cabbage [1]. They are bigger, rounder, and denser than turnips. Their skin is yellowish-purple, and the flesh is yellow.
The most common variety of this root vegetable is the purple top. Below is a basic guide to growing rutabagas at home.
Best Soil for Rutabagas
Rutabagas grow best in loose, fertile soil. They prefer a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0 [2]. Remove large rocks before planting so the roots can grow straight and smooth.
How to Grow Rutabaga From Seed
Rutabaga roots ripen and become more flavorful in cool weather.
Therefore, plant the seeds at the beginning or the middle of summer for a fall crop. It takes about 90 to 100 days from planting to reach maturity.
First, ensure that the selected site receives full sun and that the soil is well-drained.
Next, mix compost or well-rotted manure into the soil before planting. However, avoid using excessive nitrogen fertilizer, as it encourages leafy growth rather than large roots.
Plant seeds about ½ inch deep and about 1 inch apart. Once the seedlings begin to sprout, thin them to about 8 inches apart. Give each plant enough space so the roots can grow large and healthy.
How to Grow Rutabaga from Scraps
Regrowing scraps is fun, but it usually grows new leaves instead of another large root.
To regrow from scraps, cut off the top section. Next, place the rutabaga top in about 1 inch of water, cut side down, until roots begin to grow.
Once roots begin to grow, plant the top in a pot filled with loose, rich potting mix. You can later move it into the garden if you wish.
Pests
Many insects attack rutabagas; among them are:
- Flea beetles
- Caterpillars
- Cabbage aphids
- Cutworms
- Root-knot nematode
- Wireworms
- Root maggots
Many of these pests can be controlled with natural methods such as floating row covers, hand-picking insects, encouraging helpful insects, or using neem oil or insecticidal soap when needed.
Some gardeners also plant marigolds nearby because they may help attract beneficial insects that feed on aphids.
Diseases
Clubroot is a soil-borne disease that is most common in cool, wet, poorly drained soil. The spores can survive in the soil for 20 years or more [3].
Clubroot can stunt plant growth and cause irregularly shaped, swollen roots. Therefore, avoid planting rutabagas in soil where clubroot has been found before.
Some other diseases to look out for include:
- White spot
- Anthracnose
- Leaf spot
- White rust
- Downy mildew
To prevent disease problems, practice crop rotation.
Care and Maintenance
A few weeks after planting, add a light feeding of compost or a balanced fertilizer. Feed the plants again after thinning the seedlings if growth seems slow.
Also, keep the soil evenly moist by giving the plants about 1 to 1½ inches of water each week if rain is lacking.
Control weeds manually or use the method that works best for you.
Mulching
Add a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic mulch, such as straw, shredded leaves, or grass clippings, around the plants.
Mulch helps keep the soil moist, reduces weeds, and keeps the roots cool during warm weather. Leave a small gap around each plant to prevent excess moisture from building up around the stem.
Can You Grow Rutabagas in Containers?
Yes. Choose a container that is at least 10 to 12 inches deep with drainage holes.
Fill it with loose, fertile potting mix and place it in a sunny spot. Keep the soil evenly moist, as containers dry out faster than garden beds.
Best Companion Plants for Rutabaga
Some plants grow well alongside rutabagas and may help reduce pest problems or make better use of garden space.
Good companion plants include:
- Onions
- Garlic
- Chives
- Marigolds
- Nasturtiums
- Mint (grown in a container to stop it from spreading)
Avoid planting rutabagas near other brassicas, such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and kale, because they attract many of the same pests and diseases.
Common Growing Problems
Here are a few common problems you may see when growing rutabagas:
- Small roots: Too much nitrogen, overcrowding, or planting too late.
- Cracked roots: Uneven watering or heavy rain after a dry spell.
- Woody roots: Harvesting too late.
- Yellow leaves: Poor drainage, lack of nutrients, or overwatering.
- Misshapen roots: Rocky soil or clubroot disease.
Most of these problems can be prevented by keeping the soil evenly moist, thinning seedlings, and rotating crops.
Harvesting
As mentioned, you can harvest 90 to 100 days after planting the seeds.
Rutabagas taste sweeter after one or two light frosts. Harvest them before the ground freezes solid.
Rutabagas are ready to harvest when the roots are about 3 to 5 inches in diameter. They will also have purple-tinged skin and yellow flesh.
Harvest rutabagas while they are still young and tender for the best flavor and texture.
Both the young, tender leaves and the roots are edible. Cut the foliage close to the crown and brush off any loose soil.
Store the roots in a cool, humid place, such as a root cellar or refrigerator. Wash them before using.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to plant rutabagas?
Rutabagas grow best in cool weather.
Plant the seeds in early to mid-summer for a fall harvest. In areas with mild winters, you can also grow them as a winter crop.
Can rutabagas survive frost?
Yes. Rutabagas can handle light frosts, which often make the roots taste sweeter. Harvest them before the ground freezes solid.
Do rutabagas need full sun?
Yes. Rutabagas grow best with at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. They can tolerate light shade, but full sun usually produces larger roots.
How long do rutabagas take to grow?
Most rutabagas are ready to harvest about 90 to 100 days after planting, depending on the variety and growing conditions.
How often should I water rutabagas?
Keep the soil evenly moist by giving the plants 1 to 1 1/2 inches of water each week if rainfall is insufficient [4]. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely.
Why are my rutabagas small?
Small roots are often caused by overcrowding, poor soil, excessive nitrogen fertilizer, or insufficient water.
Thinning the seedlings and keeping the soil evenly moist can help the roots grow larger.
Can you eat rutabaga greens (leaves)?
Yes. Young rutabaga leaves are edible and can be cooked like spinach or other leafy greens. Older leaves may be tougher and have a stronger flavor.
How do you store rutabagas?
Brush off any loose soil and store the roots in a cool, humid place, such as a root cellar or refrigerator.
Wash them just before using them.
Are rutabagas and turnips the same?
No. Although they are closely related, rutabagas and turnips are different vegetables.
Rutabagas are usually larger, have yellow flesh, and taste sweeter than turnips.
Takeaway
Rutabaga, or swede, is an easy vegetable to grow if you have cool weather. With a little care, it can produce large, tasty roots that are great for soups, roasting, mashing, and many other meals.
Sasha Campbell
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