Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
GROWING FOR SEED
Rutabaga seed is normally direct sown when grown for food, but it can be star-
ted indoors when growing for seed. Wait until at least early summer to sow rutabaga seed to avoid
overripe roots that can no longer be selected in late autumn. Plant out or thin to 16 in. (40 cm) spacing
within and between rows. Smaller rutabagas, with a diameter of 6 in. (15 cm) or less, taste better and
overwinter better. Rutabagas will keep for six months in the root cellar.
HARVEST
Seeds grow in pods that do not all ripen at once. Harvest either individual ripe stalks over a
longer period of time, or the whole plant when most pods are ripe. Processing instructions as for
Brassica oleracea
.
SELECTION CHARACTERISTICS
• true-to-type
• tenderness and flavor (lack of bitterness)
• size, shape, and color of root
• portion of root above/below soil level
• vigorousness and vitality
• shape and color of leaves, healthy foliage
• storage life
DISEASES AND PESTS
Pests of
Brassica oleracea
(which see) can also do lots of damage to rutabaga
and oilseed rape, especially during flowering. Leaf beetles can cause complete crop failure.
Rutabaga seeds
Heirloom rutabaga 'Wilhelmsburger'
