American Purple Top Rutabaga

 

Soil Preparation and Fertilizing:

Rutabagas are a cool-season crop and do well in the cool temperatures of early Spring and Fall. Rutabaga can be planted in partial shade and grow best in deep, well-drained soils. To prepare the soil, clear the area of rocks, trash, and large sticks. Small pieces of grass and leaves can be mixed into the soil to make it richer. Spade the soil 10-12 inches deep and completely cover plant material to help it break down more quickly. Enrichening heavy soils with compost can help build large roots. You may optionally scatter 2-3 pounds of a complete fertilizer on the soil for each 100 square feet of garden area. Or 1 cup of fertilizer for each 10 feet of row. If soil has a lot of tight clay, you may optionally add compost after adding fertilizer and rake into top 4 inches of soil. 

 

Planting:

Plant rutabagas as soon as the soil can be worked in the Spring. In southern states, turnips can grow well all winter. Soil temperature should be at least 40F for seeds to sprout. Bed the soil into 6-8-inch-tall raised ridges to allow soil to drain and let air enter soil. Space the ridges 18-24 inches apart from center to center. Widen the planting bed next by patting down or dragging the top of the ridge flat with a hoe or rake. This will make an 8-10 inch flat raised planting bed. Use a hoe handle or stick to make a 1/2 inch furrow deep down the center of the ridge.  Plant 1-3 seeds in the furrows spaced 4 inches apart within the rows. Cover lightly with loose soil then sprinkle with water.  For a Fall crop, start planting 8-10 weeks before the first expected frost. During Fall planting, you may cover the seeds with sand or light-colored mulch to keep the row cool. For rutabaga greens, make 2 or 3 plantings 10 days apart for a continuous supply of fresh rutabaga greens.

 

Planting Depth:	1/2 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	4 inches
Between-Row Spacing:	18-24 inches