Soil
Any fertile, well drained soil that holds moisture well.
Position
Full sun.
Frost tolerant
Time planting so that rutabagas are reaching maturity just as the first fall frosts arrive. Cold weather improved rutabaga flavor and texture.
Feeding
Not usually required.
Companions
Chives, Onion, Onions and Peas.
Spacing
Single Plants: 9″ (25cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 7″ (20cm) with 1′ 3″ (40cm) row gap (minimum)
Sow and Plant
Sow seeds half an inch deep and 4 inches apart in early summer. Thin seedlings to 8 inches apart when they are 3 weeks old.
Notes
Needs more water than many other vegetables. Mulch to keep the soil cool and moist.
Harvesting
Harvest in mid to late fall, after the soil has cooled and frosts have become frequent. Trimmed roots can be stored in a cool basement, root cellar, or refrigerator.
Troubleshooting
Rutabagas left in the ground too long become woody.
