How to Grow Rutabagas

Rutabagas are a fantastic root vegetable to plant in late summer or early fall.

These hardy brassicas thrive in cooler weather, developing a rich, slightly sweet flavor that deepens after exposure to frost. Planting rutabagas about 90 days before the first expected frost gives them ample time to mature under the best growing conditions.

Start by preparing a sunny garden bed with loose, well-drained soil enriched with compost or aged organic matter. Sow seeds about half an inch deep and an inch apart, with rows spaced 12 to 18 inches apart to give the roots enough room to grow. Keep the soil consistently moist and consider using row covers early on to protect young plants from pests like flea beetles.

As rutabagas mature, their large swollen roots become ready to harvest when about 3 to 5 inches in diameter. Leaving them in the ground through a few frosts can enhance their sweetness. Harvest by gently digging to avoid damage, and store the roots in a cool, dark place for months of nutritious, winter-long enjoyment.

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