How to Grow Rutabaga

Updated June 2026

A cool-season root for the home garden across the warmer US.

Rutabaga is a rewarding cool-season crop for backyard growers.

When to plant

Rutabaga is a cool-season crop. In the South and Southwest, plant in fall through winter when the heat eases. See your region on the rutabaga page for exact timing.

Varieties

American Purple Top, Standard sweet yellow-fleshed rutabaga (Southern Exposure Seed Exchange)

How to grow it

Sun & soil: full sun, rich well-drained soil with even moisture.
Spacing: about 10 in between plants.
Sowing: sow about 0.5 in deep.
Water: roughly 1.3 gal per plant every 2 days in hot weather.

Pests & problems

Watch for Cabbage moth, Aphids and Flea beetle. In humid regions, Clubroot, Powdery mildew and Downy mildew can appear, so space for airflow and water at the roots in the morning.

Harvest

Rutabaga is usually ready to harvest in about 3 months. Pick regularly to keep plants productive.

When to plant in your region

Pick your region to see exactly when to plant rutabaga where you garden.

See what to plant this month

Pick your region for a month-by-month calendar tuned to your climate.

Find your region →