Family: Brassicaceae
Genus and Species: Brassica napus
Climate
Rutabagas can be grown as summer or fall crops in cool regions or as winter crops in warmer locales. Rutabagas need cool temperatures, even frosts, to finish perfecting their hearty flavor. Rutabagas do best in full sun although they will tolerate light shade.
Soil
Rutabagas need consistent nutrients throughout the growing season. Mix compost into the soil during the growing season or fertilize with a complete organic fertilizer like seaweed or fish emulsion to obtain the best results. Rutabagas like loam or sandy loam soils. You will like these soils too when you harvest the big vegetables in autumn or spring. Digging rutabagas out of a soil that is compacted is frustrating and difficult. Loam soils are lighter and easier to dig in which makes harvesting a cinch. Rutabagas grow best in soil temperatures between 60° and 65° with a soil pH of 6.3 to 6.5.
Spacing
Space rutabagas 3"-4" apart within rows 16"-20" apart. Plant several rows of rutabaga per bed. Space beds 18"-24" apart.
Direct Seeding
Direct seed rutabagas as soon as the soil warms to 60°-65°. Do not tamp the soil. Use black plastic to warm the soil. Plant rutabaga seeds 1/2" deep in moist, warm soil. Thin rutabaga plants to 3"-4" as soon as the rutabaga seedlings are established.
Seeding For Transplants
Transplanting rutabaga is not normally practiced.
Germination
These seeds germinate best in soils around 60°F-85°F.
Germination will take 3-5 days.
Watering
Keep rutabagas evenly moist throughout the growing season. If your soil drains very well, more frequent waterings may be necessary.
Harvesting
Rutabagas are mature when the roots or tops are large enough to use. Harvest fall crops after the first frost, which can sweeten the flavor of the roots.
To harvest rutabagas, gently dig the plant up and cut the leaves off 1" from the top of the root.
Post-Harvest Handling
Wash and dry rutabaga thoroughly.
Storage
Store rutabaga at 32° and 98% - 100% relative humidity. Rutabaga will last 120-180 days in ideal conditions.
Diseases
Club Root, Black Rot, Black Leg, Wirestem, Alternaria Leafspot, and Downy Mildew
Pests
Aphids, Cabbage Loopers, Imported Cabbageworm, Cutworms, Flea Beetles, and Diamond Back Moth.
Comments
Use floating row covers for the first couple of weeks to protect the rutabaga seedlings from early spring insects.
Mulch the your rutabaga heavily and continue to harvest your rutabaga crop after the first fall frost up until the ground freezes.
Rutabaga leaves are also edible - especially when young.
References
Bradley, F. M. and Ellis, B. W.(Ed.). (1992), Rodale's All-New Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening: The Indispensable Resource for Every Gardener, Emmaus, Pennsylvania: Rodale Press.
Oregon State University, Rutabaga , Commercial Vegetable Production Guides, Last modified 2003-01-06, http://www.oregonstate.edu/Dept/NWREC/rutabaga.html [1], Accessed 2003-7-13
Smith, E.C. (2000), The vegetable gardener's bible: discover Ed's high yield W-O-R-D system for all North American gardening regions., Storey Books: Pownal, VT.