When to Plant Rutabaga Seeds

If you are in a colder area, sow your rutabaga seeds after the danger of the last frost has passed. If you are in a warmer zone, plant your seeds in the fall and harvest in the winter.

Where to Plant Rutabaga Seeds

Plant Rutabaga, Brassica napus, in well-draining soil with a pH of 5.5 – 7.0.

How to Plant Rutabaga Seeds

Sow your seeds ½ inch deep and about 2-3 inches apart. Thin the rutabagas out when they are around 4 inches tall so there is between 4-6 inches of space between each plant.

How to Harvest Rutabaga

Rutabagas are best harvested before they get to be as large as the ones you see in the grocery stores. Both the greens and bulbs can be harvested to eat – you can cut the greens off (without disturbing the root) when they are over 4 inches tall and the greens will regrow. Harvest the bulbs when they are at least 3 inches in diameter, depending on the variety of rutabaga.