Brassica napobrassica "American Purple Top"
Large globe-shaped purple roots with sweet yellow flesh. This heirloom is an excellent fall crop. The flesh turns orange when cooked, and is a fantastic additon to mashed potatoes.
Type: Annual
Sun: Full
Planting Depth: 1/2”
Spacing: 4-6”
Water: Low
Days to Maturity/Bloom: 90 days
Height: 12-14”
Zones: All
Planting Instructions
Type: AnnualSun: Full
Planting Depth: 1/2”
Spacing: 4-6”
Water: Low
Days to Maturity/Bloom: 90 days
Height: 12-14”
Zones: All
Rutabaga are a cool-weather crop. They are best planted in midsummer for a late-fall harvest. Rutabaga flavor improves after a few light frosts; the sweetness concentrates.
Start seeds indoors to protect seedlings from the hot summer sun. They need 10-12 weeks to reach maturity before winter sets in.
Plant seeds 1/2” deep. Transplant them outdoors when they are a few inches tall. Space plants 8” apart, in rows 12-14 apart. Do not crowd plants or the roots will not grow large. Water consistently.
Harvest rutabaga after the first 2-3 frosts, before the ground in frozen. Roots taste best at 4-5” diameter. The roots push up out of the ground as they mature. Cut off the foliage before storing for any length of time.