How grow rutabagas: a concise orientation before we get practical.
How grow rutabagas: Quick notes
I’ll be honest: rutabagas don’t get enough attention. They are easy to grow from seed, they do their best work in cool weather, and they taste way better than most people expect. Learn how to grow them (even in hot summer climates) with the tips in this guide.
My neighbor loves rutabagas, and I share mine with her. She makes a delicious mashed “potato” with rutabagas, and it’s pretty tasty. If you have not tried them, give them a try.
Key Takeaways
- Rutabagas are easy to grow, thrive in cool weather, and taste better than expected.
- Plant rutabaga seeds 10-12 weeks before the first frost for the best results.
- Ensure proper soil prep by loosening soil, mixing in compost, and avoiding excess nitrogen.
- Water consistently and thin seedlings for optimal root development.
- Harvest rutabagas when they reach 3-5 inches across and enjoy them in various dishes.
What rutabagas need to do well
Rutabagas are cool-season root crops in the brassica family (think broccoli, cabbage, and kale). They take longer than turnips, but that extra time is what gives you a bigger, sweeter root.
Here is the simple recipe for success:
- Plant from seed
- Keep them evenly watered
- Thin them like you mean it
- Let them size up in cool weather
When to plant rutabaga
General planting dates (most climates)
Rutabagas are happiest when they mature in cool temperatures. In most places, that means a fall crop.
A good guideline is to sow seeds about 10–12 weeks before your first hard frost, or roughly 90 days before you want to harvest. If you plant too late, they stay small. If you plant too early and they grow during the heat, the roots can be tougher and more bitter.
In mild-summer climates, you can also plant in late winter or early spring, but for many gardeners, fall is the easiest time.
Low Desert Arizona planting dates
In the low desert of Arizona, direct-sow rutabaga seed mid-September through January. Get all the low desert planting dates in my Vegetable Planting Guide (pictured below).
Low desert tip: September can still be hot enough to make germination frustrating. If the forecast is still hot, wait a couple of weeks for temperatures (especially nighttime temps) to come down.
Sunlight
Rutabagas grow best in full sun during cool weather.
If you are gardening in a hot climate, rutabagas can still do well, but they appreciate a little help:
- Morning sun is great
- Afternoon shade can prevent stress when temperatures are still high
Soil prep (this makes a big difference)
Rutabagas want loose, deep soil. The more compact the soil, the more likely you are to end up with smaller or misshapen roots.
Before planting:
- Grow in loose soil (aim for about 10–12 inches deep)
- Pick out rocks and big chunks
One more thing that matters: go easy on nitrogen. Too much nitrogen makes gorgeous leafy tops and disappointing roots.
Low desert tip: In alkaline soils, rutabagas can sometimes get “brown heart,” where the center turns brown or breaks down. It usually means a boron deficiency. Compost helps overall soil health, but if you see this more than once, a soil test might be good idea.
How to plant rutabaga from seed
Rutabagas are a root crop that does best when they are direct-sown in your garden beds.
- Sow seeds where they will grow.
- Plant seeds 1/4–1/2 inch deep (about 0.6–1.3 cm).
- Keep soil evenly hydrated until seeds sprout.
- Thin seedlings once they have true leaves.
- Final spacing should be about 6 inches apart (15 cm), with rows 18–24 inches apart (45–60 cm) apart. Plant 4 per square for square foot gardening.
Thinning is the difference between “nice leafy greens” and “wow, look at that rutabaga.”
Watering and feeding
Rutabagas like steady growth. That means steady moisture.
- Water deeply and consistently
- Mulch once seedlings are a couple of inches high to keep the soil from drying out too fast
- If plants look pale or stalled, a light feeding with an organic fertilizer like AgroThrive is fine, but try not to overdo fertilizer, especially nitrogen.
Low desert tip: Even one drying-out episode can slow growth. If rutabagas stall, they do not always bounce back quickly, so consistent watering matters.
Pests to watch for
Rutabagas share many of the same pests as other brassicas. Common issues:
- Flea beetles (tiny holes that look like someone hit the leaves with a hole punch)
- Caterpillars (cabbage worms and loopers)
- Aphids
- Root maggots in some regions
The easiest organic approach is prevention:
- Use row cover right after planting and secure the edges
- Check leaves weekly and hand-pick caterpillars
- Use Bt if caterpillars get ahead of you
- Spray aphids off with water, or allow beneficial insects to help you out.
Harvesting rutabagas
Rutabagas taste best when they grow in cool weather. Many gardeners swear they are sweeter after a light frost. When to harvest:
- Harvest when the root looks like a good usable size at the soil line, often around 3–5 inches across
- If you let them get huge, they can become more fibrous
How to harvest:
- Loosen the soil with a garden fork
- Lift gently so you do not snap the root
- Cut or twist off tops (leave a short stub) (this keeps the leaves from taking moisture from the root)
Storage:
- Brush off the soil
- Store in the fridge crisper or somewhere cool and humid
How to use rutabagas (and why you should)
My favorite ways to use them:
- Mashed: This is the one. My neighbor makes a mashed “potato” with rutabagas that is so good.
- Roasted: Cubes with oil, salt, and herbs, roasted until caramelized.
- Soups and stews: They hold their shape and add a gentle sweetness.
- Fries or wedges: Roast or air-fry like potatoes.
- Slaw: Grate raw rutabaga, mix with apples, and dress with a simple vinaigrette.
And yes, you can cook the greens too. I usually harvest a few outer leaves rather than strip the whole plant.
Rutabaga FAQ
Rutabagas and turnips in grow bags
Do rutabagas need full sun?
Full sun is ideal in cool weather. In hotter climates, afternoon shade can help keep growth steady.
Can I grow rutabagas in containers?
Yes. Use a deep container (at least 12 inches) and keep watering consistently. Expect smaller roots than in the ground, but still worth growing.
How long do rutabagas take to grow from seed?
Many varieties take around 90 days, but timing depends on the variety and temperatures.
Why do I have huge leaves and tiny roots?
Usually one of these: You did not thin enough. Too much nitrogen fertilizer. Too warm while the roots were trying to size up. Inconsistent watering.
Can rutabagas handle frost?
Yes. They are cold-tolerant, and a light frost can improve flavor. In very cold regions, harvest before the ground freezes hard.
Why did my rutabagas split?
Splitting is usually due to uneven watering, especially after a dry stretch followed by a big watering or rain. Mulch and consistent watering help a lot.
What causes brown spots or a brown center inside the rutabaga?
A brown heart is often linked to boron deficiency, especially in higher-pH soils. If it happens repeatedly, a soil test is the best way to confirm what is going on before adding anything.
What are the tiny holes all over the leaves?
That is often flea beetle damage. Row cover early is one of the easiest ways to prevent it.
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