Crop Rotation Group
Brassicas (Cabbage family)
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Soil
Any fertile, well drained soil that holds moisture well.
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Position
Full sun.
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Frost tolerant
Time planting so that rutabagas are reaching maturity just as the first fall frosts arrive. Cold weather improved rutabaga flavor and texture.
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Feeding
Not usually required.
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Companions
-
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Spacing
Single Plants: 9" (25cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 7" (20cm) with 1' 3" (40cm) row gap (minimum)
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Sow and Plant
Sow seeds half an inch deep and 4 inches apart in early summer. Thin seedlings to 8 inches apart when they are 3 weeks old.
Our Garden Planning Tool can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.
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Notes
Needs more water than many other vegetables. Mulch to keep the soil cool and moist.
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Harvesting
Harvest in mid to late fall, after the soil has cooled and frosts have become frequent. Trimmed roots can be stored in a cool basement, root cellar, or refrigerator.
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Troubleshooting
Rutabagas left in the ground too long become woody.
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