How to Grow Rutabagas from Seed.

The difference is that growing rutabagas usually takes four weeks longer than growing cabbage or turnips.

That’s why fall is the best time to plant rutabagas.

How to Grow Rutabagas:

First, remember that these plants are not much different from turnips. The difference is that the roots are larger, firmer, and rounder than turnip roots and the leaves on rutabaga are softer.

When planting rutabaga, plant about 100 days before the first frost in late fall. Prepare your soil as you would grow a vegetable. Water the soil and remove debris and rocks.

Planting Rutabaga from Seed:

When planting rutabaga, sow the seeds in the already prepared soil and rake lightly. Sow seeds at a rate of three to 20 seeds per row and water them about 1 inch deep.

Leave enough room to put a foot or two between the rows. This allows the roots to grow and form rutabagas. If the soil is not moist, water the seeds to germinate them and establish healthy seedlings. Once the seedlings appear and are about 2 inches tall, you can space them about 6 inches apart.

One of the important things to know about planting rutabagas and turnips is that when you remove the plants, you can consume the leaves as greens. This is true for rutabagas and turnips.

Grow plants 2-3 inches deep. This helps aerate the soil and remove weeds. Additionally, it loosens the soil around the root of the growing rutabagas, allowing for more root growth. Since rutabagas are a root vegetable, you want the soil to be firm around the plant and leaves, but still be deep underneath, so that the root is not disrupted and can develop properly.

Harvesting Rutabagas:

When harvesting rutabagas, pick them when they are tender and soft. Rutabagas are ready to harvest when they are medium-sized. Harvesting rutabagas when they are about 5 to 7 cm in diameter will result in better quality rutabagas. Make sure that the rutabagas you harvest have grown uninterrupted over the growing season.