How to Grow Rutabaga: A Comprehensive Guide
How to Grow Rutabaga?
To grow rutabaga, start with young plants from Bonnie Plants® for easier harvest.
Plant them in well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7.0, and provide aged compost or organic matter for young plants.
Consistent watering and regular feeding with a continuous-release fertilizer will help maximize harvest potential.
Rutabagas can be harvested when the roots are 3 to 5 inches wide, and young leaves can also be harvested for salads.
They can be grown as a fall crop in cooler regions, a winter crop in warmer zones, or an early spring crop in areas without frozen ground.
Ensure the soil pH is between 5.5 and 6.5 by adding lime to acidic soil.
Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart, and use row covers to protect against pests.
Avoid planting rutabagas in beds with a history of clubroot.
Harvest rutabagas as needed, store them in a cold, moist root cellar or refrigerator, or leave them in the ground and cover with mulch during winter.
Key Points:
- Start with young plants from Bonnie Plants for easier harvest
- Plant in well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7.0 and provide aged compost or organic matter
- Consistently water and feed with continuous-release fertilizer for optimal harvest potential
- Harvest when roots are 3 to 5 inches wide, can also harvest young leaves for salads
- Can be grown as a fall, winter, or early spring crop depending on region
- Check and adjust soil pH by adding lime if necessary, space plants 12 to 18 inches apart and use row covers for pest protection, avoid planting in beds with clubroot history
- Harvest as needed, store in a cold, moist root cellar, refrigerator, or cover with mulch during winter.
Did You Know?
1. Rutabaga, also known as swede, originated from a cross between cabbage and turnips in seventeenth-century Sweden.
2. The word “rutabaga” comes from the Swedish word “rotabagge,” which translates to “root bag.”
3. Rutabagas are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, making them a nutritious addition to your diet.
4. In some parts of the world, particularly in Scotland and Ireland, rutabaga is a traditional ingredient in the beloved dish known as haggis.
5. During World War II, due to rationing and scarcity of other vegetables, rutabagas gained popularity and became a staple food in many European countries.
Introduction To Growing Rutabaga
Rutabaga, a vegetable that ripens best in cool autumn weather and boasts a mild, rich flavor, is a delightful addition to any garden. These delicious root vegetables are related to turnips and are created through a natural cross between cabbage and turnip. Rutabagas grow larger and take longer to mature compared to turnips, making them a favorite among gardeners.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the various aspects of growing rutabaga, including planting and soil requirements, care and maintenance, harvesting and storing techniques, as well as a comparison between rutabagas and turnips. Let’s dive in and uncover the secrets to successfully cultivating this nutrient-rich crop.
Planting And Soil Requirements For Rutabaga
To ensure a bountiful harvest of rutabagas, it is recommended to start with young rutabaga plants from trusted sources like Bonnie Plants®. These young plants make for easier and quicker harvesting. Rutabagas should be planted in late summer, approximately 90 days before the first fall frost. When choosing a planting location, opt for soil that is well-drained, with a pH level ranging from 5.5 to 7.0. Additionally, enrich the soil with aged compost or organic matter to provide essential nutrients.
Consistent watering plays a vital role in ensuring the productivity of rutabaga plants. Regular feeding with a continuous-release fertilizer, such as Miracle-Gro® Performance Organics® Edibles Plant Nutrition Granules, can maximize the potential of your harvest. Rutabaga roots can be harvested when they reach a size of 3 to 5 inches in diameter, while young leaves are also suitable for adding to salads.
- Rutabagas can be grown in cooler regions as a fall crop, in warmer zones as a winter crop, or even as an early spring crop in areas without frozen ground.
- By adding compost or aged compost-enriched soil to the existing soil, you can improve the size and quality of your harvest.
- Maintain an ideal soil pH level of 5.5 to 6.5.
- If your soil is acidic, adding lime before planting rutabaga plants can help create a suitable environment for their growth.
- Additionally, removing large rocks that may interfere with root growth is recommended.
- To provide the plants with ample space for growth, make sure to space rutabaga plants 12 to 18 inches apart.
Care And Maintenance Of Rutabaga Plants
To ensure the health and vigor of rutabaga plants, several care and maintenance practices should be implemented. As mentioned earlier, continuous watering is essential for productive rutabagas. Employing a soaker hose or drip irrigation system can help maintain consistent moisture during the growing season.
* Continuous watering is essential for productive rutabagas.
* Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation system for consistent moisture.
Insect infestations, such as slugs, aphids, cutworms, looper caterpillars, and flea beetles, can pose a threat to rutabaga foliage. However, using floating row covers can effectively eliminate most pest problems. Another effective method is to plant nasturtiums as a trap crop for aphids. This diversion can help protect your rutabagas from aphid attacks.
* Use floating row covers to eliminate most pest problems.
* Plant nasturtiums as a trap crop for aphids.
While caring for rutabagas, it is essential to note that clubroot is a disease that affects these plants and can persist in the soil for up to 20 years. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid planting rutabaga in beds known to have been afflicted by clubroot in the past. By implementing these care and maintenance practices, you can ensure healthy and robust rutabaga plants.
* Avoid planting rutabagas in beds known to have clubroot.
Harvesting And Storing Rutabagas
The time to reap the rewards of your hard work in cultivating rutabagas arrives when the roots reach a desirable size of 3 to 5 inches in diameter. Harvesting rutabaga roots is a straightforward process. Simply use a spading fork to carefully lift the roots out of the ground. It is advisable to harvest rutabagas as needed, leaving the rest of the crop in the ground. This approach allows you to enjoy fresh rutabagas for an extended period.
Furthermore, additional steps can prolong the availability of rutabagas even in colder zones. As the weather turns colder, snip the leaves back and mulch the plants with straw. This protective measure helps to safeguard the crop from freezing temperatures and enables a lengthened harvest period.
Rutabagas can be stored for months in humid conditions. Before storing, cut the tops to an inch above the roots. Cold, moist root cellars or refrigerators make excellent storage spaces for rutabagas. For larger harvests, moist peat moss, sand, or sawdust can be used to store rutabagas in a cool shed or garage.
- Use a spading fork to lift the rutabaga roots out of the ground
- Snip the leaves back and mulch with straw for protection in colder zones
- Cut the tops to an inch above the roots before storing
- Store rutabagas in cold, moist root cellars, refrigerators, or using moist peat moss, sand, or sawdust in a cool shed or garage.
Comparison Of Rutabagas And Turnips
Turnips and rutabagas have similar growth patterns and adaptability to cooler weather conditions. However, there are notable differences between these two root vegetables.
Rutabagas take longer to mature than turnips but grow in a similar manner. While both vegetables have turnip-shaped leaves that are waxy and thick like cabbage, rutabaga roots are larger, sweeter, and have a texture similar to turnips.
In terms of cultivation, turnips can be planted for spring or fall crops, while rutabagas are typically planted in summer for a fall harvest.
It is important to mention their contrasting culinary characteristics as well. Turnips can be eaten raw, cooked, or pickled, while rutabagas are best enjoyed when cooked. By understanding these differences, you can choose the root vegetable that best suits your preferences and culinary needs.
Common Problems And Diseases In Rutabaga Plants
Ensuring the health and vitality of rutabaga plants involves being aware of potential problems and diseases. Some key issues to consider are:
- Flea beetles, which are notorious for chewing small holes in turnip leaves.
- Cabbage maggots, which pose a threat to the roots.
- Alternaria, a common disease that causes spots on turnip leaves.
- Black rot, which manifests as yellow triangles on the edge of leaves and can lead to plant rotting.
However, one of the most concerning diseases for rutabaga plants is clubroot. This disease attacks the roots and results in stunted growth and small roots. To prevent clubroot from affecting your rutabagas, avoid planting them in beds where cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, collards, kale, mustard, turnip, or rutabaga have been grown in the past four years.
By staying vigilant and promptly addressing any problems or diseases that arise, you can ensure the success of your rutabaga crop.
Remember: Prevention is key. Taking proactive steps to avoid planting rutabagas in beds where susceptible plants have been grown can greatly reduce the risk of clubroot.
With proper care and attention, you can cultivate a bountiful harvest of rutabagas and enjoy their mild, rich flavor in various culinary creations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take rutabaga to grow?
Rutabagas generally take around 80 to 100 days from planting to harvest. Their optimal growth occurs in cool weather, making them a suitable fall crop in cooler regions or a winter crop in warmer zones. It is essential to plant rutabaga roots in time for them to mature during these cooler conditions to ensure a successful harvest.
What can rutabaga be planted with?
In addition to the companions mentioned, rutabagas can also thrive when planted alongside cabbage and onions. Cabbage plants can provide some shade and protection for rutabagas from harsh sunlight, while onions are believed to help deter pests that can damage rutabaga roots. By interplanting these crops, gardeners can create a harmonious environment where each plant benefits from the company of the others, resulting in a fruitful and diverse vegetable garden.
What plant does rutabaga come from?
oleracea includes vegetables such as broccoli, kale, and cauliflower. Rutabaga, also known as swede or Swedish turnip, is believed to have originated from this fascinating hybridization and genome duplication event between Brassica rapa and Brassica oleracea. This unique combination resulted in a distinct plant species, which eventually gave us the delicious and versatile rutabaga we know today.
Are rutabagas expensive?
Rutabagas, known for their distinct flavor and versatility in cooking, are actually quite affordable. With a price of approximately $1 per pound, purchasing an average-sized rutabaga – weighing around two pounds – won’t put a strain on your wallet. This reasonable cost makes rutabagas an accessible option for individuals looking to experiment with new recipes or add depth to their meals without breaking the bank.