American Purple Top Rutabaga

Type: Heirloom
Packet Size: 50+ seeds

Brassica napus var. napobrassica. American Purple Top Rutabaga is a classic heirloom root vegetable known for its large, round roots with beautiful purple shoulders and creamy yellow flesh. This traditional garden favorite has a mildly sweet, earthy flavor that becomes even sweeter after exposure to cool fall temperatures. Perfect for roasting, mashing, soups, stews, and winter cooking, rutabagas are an excellent addition to home vegetable gardens. These hardy, cold-tolerant vegetables produce flavorful roots that store well after harvest, making them a favorite for fall gardens and winter storage.

🌱 Growing Information

How to Grow American Purple Top Rutabaga from Seed

Planting Depth: ½ inch
Seed Spacing: 6–8 inches
Row Spacing: 18–24 inches
Germination Time: 5–10 days
Days to Harvest: 90–100 days
Sun Requirements: Full Sun

Planting Tips:
American Purple Top Rutabagas grow best in cool weather and fertile, well-drained soil. Sow seeds directly outdoors in early spring or midsummer for a fall harvest. Keep soil consistently moist during germination and root development. Thin seedlings early to allow plenty of room for large roots to form. Rutabagas develop their sweetest flavor after exposure to light frost, making them an excellent choice for fall harvesting. Harvest roots when they reach approximately 4–6 inches in diameter for the best flavor and texture. Store harvested rutabagas in a cool, humid location for extended winter storage.