Rutabagas - Laurentian

SKU:
CA$3.50
3.5 9 CA$3.50 - CA$9.00
Unavailable
Approximately 535 seeds per gram.
Brassica napobrassica
Lot# RT33200
Sweeter than Turnips, these globe-shaped rutabagas have a bright purple top that covers the top two thirds of the 10-15 cm (4-6") globes.   The roots keep very well in winter storage.  They are hardy enough to survive minor freezes.  Rutabagas do not like heat.  They will become  woody and inedible if exposed to heat. Water regularly and evenly.
Planting Instructions:
  • Direct sow mid-June to July 15th. Optimal soil temperature: 18-21°C (65-70°F).  Sow Rutabaga seeds 6 mm-12 mm (¼-½") deep, in rows 60-75 cm (24-30") apart.  Thin the seedlings to 15-20 cm (6-8") apart in each row.  Pull up rutabagas when they are larger than tennis balls and store in paper bags in a cool, dry place.  Storing in dry sand or peat moss may conserve moisture and freshness of the roots for some time.  Otherwise, leave in the ground for fall harvesting.  Soil Conditions:  Well worked rich, loose well-drained soil. (pH 6.0-6.8).
  • Planting Depth:   Sow Rutabaga seeds 6 mm-12 mm (¼-½") deep..
  • Germination:  7-10 days.
  • Height at Maturity: 30–46 cm (12–18 in) tall.  Spread:  20 cm (8”) across.
  • Days to Maturity:   90-100 days.  
  • Watering:  Give rutabagas regular, even water so that roots grow steadily. Do not let the soil dry out. Roots that grow too slowly will be tough. Sporadic watering can cause developing roots to crack.  Most soils will require 3-4 cm (11/2") inches of water every seven to 10 days. Moisture is most important as the root nears maturity.
  • Sun/Shade:  Full Sun    
  • Spacing after Thinning:   25-40 cm (10-16”)​
Additional Information
Open pollinated-untreated seeds. Laurentian Rutabaga has a  purple crown with light yellow below the crown and is 11-12 cm (5-51/2") in diameter with yellow flesh and medium, blue-green, cut leaves.  Rutabagas are harvested when roots are 8-11 cm (4-5") in diameter. Top the roots (remove leaves from the fleshy root), wash off any soil and dry quickly. The leaves may be cooked and eaten. Commercially, rutabagas are generally waxed for keeping and can be stored for several months at temperatures of 0-2 C (32-35° F) and a relative humidity of 90 to 95 percent.