garden
Rutabaga
Brassica napus var. napobrassica
Edible
Edible Partsroot, leaves
Overview
A root vegetable created by a natural cross between turnip and cabbage, rutabaga (also called swede) produces large, sweet, golden-fleshed roots that are a staple of Northern European and Canadian cuisine. Like parsnip, rutabaga sweetens after frost, developing a complex, earthy-sweet flavor. It stores for months in cool conditions, making it an essential winter root cellar crop.
Growing Conditions
LightFull Sun
MoistureModerate
Hardiness Zones2 — 9
Height0.4m
Spread0.3m
Growth HabitForb/herb
LifespanBiennial
Pollinator Valuemoderate
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Soil pH5.5 — 7
Soil TypeDeep, loose, well-drained, fertile soil
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Direct Sow | May — Jun | Direct sow in late spring; needs 90 days to mature |
| Cold (1-2) | Harvest | Sep — Oct | Harvest after frost; flavor improves with cold |
| Cool (3-4) | Direct Sow | Jun — Jul | Sow midsummer for fall harvest |
| Cool (3-4) | Harvest | Oct — Nov | Harvest after first frost for sweetest flavor |
| Moderate (5-7) | Direct Sow | Jul — Aug | Time sowing so harvest occurs after first frost |
| Moderate (5-7) | Harvest | Oct — Dec | Frost sweetens roots; stores well in ground |
| Warm (8-9) | Direct Sow | Aug — Sep | Late summer sowing for cool-season harvest |
| Warm (8-9) | Harvest | Dec — Feb (wraps) | Harvest during cool months |
| Hot (10+) | Direct Sow | Sep — Oct | Fall sowing; needs cool weather to size up |
| Hot (10+) | Harvest | Dec — Feb (wraps) | Harvest in winter |
Uses
Culinary
- Mashed solo or blended with potato and butter
- Roasted until caramelized for deep sweetness
- Cubed in stews, soups, and pot pies
Medicinal
- Rich in vitamin C and manganese
- Glucosinolates support detoxification and cancer prevention
- Good source of potassium and fiber
Other Uses
- Long-storing winter root crop (3-6 months in root cellar)
- Sweetens after frost for improved flavor
