{"id":476,"date":"2023-03-09T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-03-09T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/?p=476"},"modified":"2023-06-27T14:18:48","modified_gmt":"2023-06-27T21:18:48","slug":"how-to-grow-rutabaga","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-rutabaga\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Grow Rutabaga &#8211; A Beginner&#8217;s Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-layzr=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/How-to-Grow-Rutabaga.png\" alt=\"rutabaga plant growing in garden\" title=\"\"><br \/>\nRutabaga, which are known botanically as \u00a0Brassica Napobrassica, are a type of vegetable that can easily be grown at home. Continue reading to learn the basics of growing rutabaga as well as common mistakes to avoid along the way.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-rutabaga\/#Best_Time_to_Plant_Rutabaga\" title=\"Best Time to Plant Rutabaga\">Best Time to Plant Rutabaga<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-rutabaga\/#How_to_Plant_Rutabaga_the_Right_Way\" title=\"How to Plant Rutabaga the Right Way\">How to Plant Rutabaga the Right Way<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-rutabaga\/#How_Much_Sunlight_is_Needed_to_Grow_Rutabaga\" title=\"How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Rutabaga\">How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Rutabaga<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-rutabaga\/#How_Much_to_Water_Rutabaga\" title=\"How Much to Water Rutabaga\">How Much to Water Rutabaga<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-rutabaga\/#How_Long_Does_it_Take_Rutabaga_to_Germinate_and_Grow\" title=\"How Long Does it Take Rutabaga to Germinate and Grow?\">How Long Does it Take Rutabaga to Germinate and Grow?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-rutabaga\/#When_to_Harvest_Rutabaga\" title=\"When to Harvest Rutabaga\">When to Harvest Rutabaga<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-rutabaga\/#What_Can_Rutabaga_Be_Used_For\" title=\"What Can Rutabaga Be Used For?\">What Can Rutabaga Be Used For?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-rutabaga\/#Can_Rutabaga_Grow_in_Pots_and_Containers\" title=\"Can Rutabaga Grow in Pots and Containers?\">Can Rutabaga Grow in Pots and Containers?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-rutabaga\/#Are_Rutabaga_Safe_for_Bees\" title=\"Are Rutabaga Safe for Bees?\">Are Rutabaga Safe for Bees?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Best_Time_to_Plant_Rutabaga\"><\/span>Best Time to Plant Rutabaga<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>This will depend largely on your local climate, but as a rule of thumb, begin to plant the rutabaga seeds \u00a0late May to early June\u00a0for a fall crop. This is the best time to ensure that the seedlings survive the weather.<\/p>\n<p>To check when rutabaga are most likely to thrive in your area, see the <a href=\"https:\/\/planthardiness.ars.usda.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map<\/a>. If you live outside the US, do a quick search for &#8216;plant hardiness zone + [city]&#8217;.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Plant_Rutabaga_the_Right_Way\"><\/span>How to Plant Rutabaga the Right Way<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>There are a number of things to consider that will help you avoid some of the common mistakes of growing rutabaga in your home garden. <\/p>\n<p>Often overlooked, your soil can have a huge impact on how well your rutabaga grow. Generally, your soil should be slightly acidic to neutral soil. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.esf.edu\/pubprog\/brochure\/soilph\/soilph.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Soil PH levels<\/a> should be around 6 to 7.<\/p>\n<p>roughly 4&#8243; apart in rows, keeping rows approximately 24&#8243;-30&#8243; apart. \u00a0roughly 2&#8243; apart in rows, keeping rows approximately 12&#8243; apart. The seeds should be sowed at a depth of about \u00a0.5&#8243;. For each plant, be sure to sow at least a few seeds to ensure that at least one of them will germinate.<\/p>\n<p>Begin thinning your rutabaga seedlings plant 2 seeds every 2&#8243;. thin to one plant every 2&#8243; when seedlings are 2.5&#8243;-3&#8243; tall.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Much_Sunlight_is_Needed_to_Grow_Rutabaga\"><\/span>How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Rutabaga<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The amount of sunlight is another key to a successful harvest. Too much sunlight will dry out your rutabaga. Not enough sunlight will stunt your its growth or even kill it.<\/p>\n<p>Ideally, your rutabaga should be getting full sun, which means as much sunlight as you can possibly give it, or at least 6 hours or more. <\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Much_to_Water_Rutabaga\"><\/span>How Much to Water Rutabaga<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>As you&#8217;ve figured by now, a lot can have an impact on how well your rutabaga do, and the amount of water is no different.<\/p>\n<p>Ideally, the soil should be damp to touch; not soggy or bone dry. If the leaves on your rutabaga begin to change colors or start to look droopy, you need to adjust how much water you&#8217;re giving it.<\/p>\n<p>Unfortunately, if you give it too much or too little water, you can kill it, so it&#8217;s best to just keep an eye on it and water as needed.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Long_Does_it_Take_Rutabaga_to_Germinate_and_Grow\"><\/span>How Long Does it Take Rutabaga to Germinate and Grow?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Now the fun part begins and you get to watch your rutabaga grow.<\/p>\n<p>It takes approximately 3-10 days to germinate, and a total of 90 days from seed to harvest.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_to_Harvest_Rutabaga\"><\/span>When to Harvest Rutabaga<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The best time to harvest your rutabaga is when roots are 2 to 3 inches in diameter.<\/p>\n<p>Rutabaga can grow up to about \u00a03 to 5 inches in diameter.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Can_Rutabaga_Be_Used_For\"><\/span>What Can Rutabaga Be Used For?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Food Use:<\/strong> \u00a0Great when roasted, mashed, mixed with sauteed carrots, <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-turnips\/\" title=\"turnips\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\">turnips<\/a>, and broccoli.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Flavor Profile:<\/strong> \u00a0Creamy, fine texture.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_Rutabaga_Grow_in_Pots_and_Containers\"><\/span>Can Rutabaga Grow in Pots and Containers?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, you will ideally need a  12&#8243;+ containerfor each plant. This can help control weeds and keep your plant from growing out of control.<\/p>\n<p>It also gives you the flexibility to move your rutabaga around if you need to adjust sunlight or bring it indoors to avoid harsh weather conditions.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_Rutabaga_Safe_for_Bees\"><\/span>Are Rutabaga Safe for Bees?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, rutabaga are safe for bees. <\/p>\n<p>According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/usa\/sustainable-agriculture\/save-the-bees\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">GreenPeace.org<\/a>, bees pollinate human food crops that make up about 90% of the world&#8217;s nutrition.<\/p>\n<p>Given their importance in our ecosystem and food supply, I feel it is important to note that growing rutabaga is bee-friendly.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Rutabaga, which are known botanically as \u00a0Brassica Napobrassica, are a type of vegetable that can easily be grown at home. Continue reading to learn the basics of growing rutabaga as well as common mistakes to avoid along the way. Best Time to Plant Rutabaga This will depend largely on your local climate, but as a rule of thumb, begin to plant the rutabaga seeds \u00a0late May to early June\u00a0for a fall crop. This is the best time to ensure that the seedlings survive the weather. To check when rutabaga are most likely to thrive in your area, see the USDA <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":409,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[18,232],"tags":[22,66],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/476"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=476"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/476\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1788,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/476\/revisions\/1788"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/409"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=476"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=476"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=476"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}