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How to Grow Rutabaga

Rutabaga (Brassica napus var. napobrassica)

Ready to grow Rutabaga?

Order seeds from trusted suppliers.

🛒 Amazon 🌿 True Leaf

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🛠️ Supplies You'll Need

🪵 Raised Garden Bed 🌍 Vegetable Garden Soil 🛠️ Hand Trowel Set 🚿 Watering Can

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Find Your Rutabaga Planting Dates

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🌿 Plant Overview

Scientific Name Brassica napus var. napobrassica
Category vegetable
Type Root
Days to Maturity 90 days
Starting Method Direct Sow

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Full Sun (6+ hours)

💧

Water

Regular (1 inch/week)

↔️

Spacing

8" apart

🌱

Depth

0.5" deep

📏

Height

18-24"

🌱

Germination

4-7 days

Ready to Grow Rutabaga?

Find quality seeds from trusted suppliers.

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🤝 Good Companions

OnionGarlicPeaBean

⚠️ Avoid Planting Near

TomatoPepper

Rutabaga Planting Calendar by Zone

Zone 1a Zone 1b Zone 2a Zone 2b Zone 3a Zone 3b Zone 4a Zone 4b Zone 5a Zone 5b Zone 6a Zone 6b Zone 7a Zone 7b Zone 8a Zone 8b Zone 9a Zone 9b Zone 10a Zone 10b Zone 11a Zone 11b Zone 12a Zone 12b Zone 13a

Rutabaga Planting Calendar by State

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Rutabaga? +

Sow Rutabaga seeds directly in the garden 14 weeks before your last frost date. Use the search on this page to find exact dates for your location.

How long does Rutabaga take to grow? +

Rutabaga typically matures in about 90 days from planting. Exact timing varies by variety, soil conditions, and local climate.

Should I start Rutabaga indoors or direct sow? +

Rutabaga does best when direct sown outdoors. Plant seeds directly in the garden at the appropriate time based on your local frost dates.

How much sun does Rutabaga need? +

Rutabaga requires full sun (6+ hours) to thrive.

How far apart should I plant Rutabaga? +

Space Rutabaga plants 8 inches apart to allow adequate airflow and root development.

How much water does Rutabaga need? +

Rutabaga has regular (1 inch/week) water needs. Consistent moisture is important especially during germination and early growth.

About Rutabaga

Hardy root vegetable, a cross between turnip and cabbage. Sweeter than turnip, best harvested after frost. Direct sow in summer for fall harvest.

Expect your Rutabaga to be ready for harvest in approximately 90 days from planting.

Use the search above or browse by zone or state to find the perfect planting dates for your location.