Days to Maturity: 90 to 100
Laurentian Rutabaga is grown as a root vegetable. The large globe-shaped roots are creamy yellow with deep purple crowns. Best when harvested at about 2 to 3 inches in width, they have a refined texture and a mild flavor. A dual-purpose crop, rutabaga has delicious dark green leaves, which regrow quickly after cutting. Leaves can be harvested with the roots or as plants are thinned, before roots mature. Rutabaga is an excellent source of vitamins C and E as well as of potassium, calcium, and magnesium. It also provides a moderate amount of folate and small amounts of phosphorus and selenium.
An herbaceous biennial, typically grown as an annual, Laurentian Rutabaga is a member of the cabbage and mustard family (Brassicaceae or Cruciferae), commonly called crucifers, brassicas, or cole crops. Laurentian Rutabaga is an open-pollinated variety with high bolt resistance.
Rutabaga is easy to grow from seed, growing best in locations with full sun and organically rich, consistently moist, well-draining soils abundant in potash and phosphorus, having an acidic pH between 6.4 to 6.8. If roots are grown in drought conditions or allowed to become too large, they will be bitter and woody or fibrous.
A cool-season, winter-hardy vegetable, the toughest of the cool-season crops, one of the first to be planted in the garden, rutabaga seed can be direct sown into the garden as soon as the soil is workable in early spring, approximately 4 weeks before the last frost date. Seeds can also be started indoors 6 to 8 weeks before transplanting into the garden, early spring and fall. It needs cold temperatures to germinate and grow, withstanding light frost and temperatures below 28°F. Row covers offer added protection from heavy frost. Mulching helps to moderate soil temperature and to maintain soil moisture.
If you plan to start your seeds indoors, be sure to check out our Bio Dome Seed Starter Kit. With the Bio Dome, you can control the temperature, light, and soil mix to ensure your seeds become strong for transplant.
