Climate matters. This page is a practical baseline. Confirm cultivar, local frost/heat conditions, mature size and regional restrictions before planting.
Rutabaga — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Brassica napus var. napobrassica |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 5–12 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 7.2–29.4 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 85–100 |
| Measured from | Seed |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 15.2–20.3 |
| Mature height (cm) | 25.4–45.7 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 15.2–25.4 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 2–10 |
| Light | Full sun |
| Water | Moderate |
| Sowing method | Direct sow |
Growing directions
Sow seeds 1/2 in deep in fertile, well-drained soil; rutabagas need more time and space than turnips to produce their large storage roots. Thin to 6–8 in once seedlings are established and keep soil evenly moist to prevent splitting. Flavor is significantly improved by frost, so aim to leave roots in the ground until after the first hard freeze. Harvest before the ground freezes solid and store in a cool, humid root cellar for several months.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0