Rutabega
Vegetable
Direct sow rutabaga seeds during the period three weeks before or after the summer solstice. Optimal soil temperature: 18-21°C (65-70°F). Seeds should sprout in 7-15 days.
Rutabega
How to Grow:
Vegetable
Timing:
Direct sow rutabaga seeds during the period three weeks before or after the summer solstice. Optimal soil temperature: 18-21°C (65-70°F). Seeds should sprout in 7-15 days.
Starting:
Sow seeds 5mm-1cm (¼-½”) deep in rows 60-75cm (24-30″) apart. Thin seedlings to 15-20cm (6-8″) apart in each row.
Growing:
Ideal pH: 6.0-6.8. Rutabagas are moderate to heavy feeders that do best in rich, loamy soil amended with composted manure. Add 1 cup complete organic fertilizer beneath each 3m (10′) of row. Lime beds several weeks before planting. Rutabagas appreciate lots of organic matter in the soil. Water generously in hot, dry weather. GerminationDays to Maturity: From direct sowing.At least 60% of seeds should germinate in optimal conditions. Usual seed life: 4 years. Per 100′ row: 300 seeds, per acre: 65.4M seeds.
Harvest:
Pull up rutabagas when they are larger than tennis balls. Store in paper bags in a cool, dry place. Storing in dry sand or peat moss may conserve moisture and freshness. Otherwise, leave in the ground for fall harvesting. Rutabaga leaves are also tasty and nutritious.
